"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."
A special stage for women's football: When the Bayer 04 Women's team face Werder Bremen on Saturday, 12 October (kick-off: 14.00 CEST), the team led by coach Roberto Pätzold will play in front of an unusually large crowd. 19,000 tickets have already been sold for the big match at the Weserstadion.
Show moreThe second international break of the 2024/25 season is round the corner. After the Bundesliga clash against Holstein Kiel, 5 October (kick-off 15:30 CEST), several Bayer 04 players will be playing in the next set of UEFA Nations League fixtures, among others. An overview.
Show moreBayer 04 Leverkusen will have to manage without midfielder Synne Skinnes Hansen in the coming weeks. The Norwegian suffered a torn ligament in her right thigh in the match against Carl Zeiss Jena (1-0).
Show moreThe video games manufacturer Electronic Arts (EA) together with the German Football League (DFL) have announced the nominations for the vote for Bundesliga Player of the Month in September – that includes Werkself player Florian Wirtz. Black and Red fans can vote now.
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