"We are happy we’ve been able to agree to continue our partnership after very harmonious discussions," said Bayer 04 sporting managing director Rudi Völler. "Karim has been with us since 2011 and he's developed into an outstanding Bundesliga player in his position here in Leverkusen. When he plays his high-speed football then he can make the difference."
Sporting director Simon Rolfes, who played alongside Bellarabi at Bayer 04 for several years, knows the strengths of the attacker very well: "He's lightning fast, has great technique, is a team player and is capable of scoring. Karim has been one of the top scorers and providers in our team for many years," declared Rolfes. "It was really important to us to extend his contract. We're really happy it's all worked out."
Having arrived in Leverkusen as a young talent from Eintracht Braunschweig, Bellarabi and Völler identify the close relationship between him and Leverkusen. "The fact I've been able to develop as a player is also down to the confidence I've always had here from the club – especially at the beginning when I had to battle with injuries as an unestablished player," said Bellarabi who went on to play for Germany in 2014 and in recent Bundesliga campaigns has regularly provided goals and assists. "In the future, I want to contribute to us all achieving our sporting targets. Bayer 04 are a great club, for many years at the top of the Bundesliga and also regularly in Europe."
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have loaned new signing Luca Erlein to newly promoted FC Energie Cottbus for the 2026/27 season. This will give him the opportunity to play in Bundesliga 2. The club signed the 19-year-old right-back on a permanent basis last week, on a contract to 30 June 2030.
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Trophies as a youth, appearances in the pro game and his first taste of international competition: new arrival Luca Erlein, who has been signed from TSG Hoffenheim, can already look back on some remarkable achievements and moments in his fledgling career. We take a closer look at the 19-year-old right-back, who can also fill other roles across the defensive line.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have signed Germany U19 international Luca Erlein from Hoffenheim. The 19-year-old right-back, who is capable of playing in various defensive positions, has penned a contract until 30 June 2030.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen has a new coffee partner. The club has agreed a long-term partnership with the Bocholt-based roastery Imping, running to 30 June 2031. The exclusive partnership with the family-run business includes the installation of fully automatic coffee machines at the BayArena, as well as the right to supply and serve coffee products in the business areas during Werkself home games.
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