Sporting director Simon Rolfes sees the long-term deal with Wirtz as "a powerful statement from the club of how we will handle things in the future here at Leverkusen. With top quality players, at the same time capable of development where Bayer 04 has been a highly desirable club for many years. Florian Wirtz is equally a promise for the future as well as a guarantee for sporting success in the present," declared Rolfes. "He's impressive as well as brave and confident in the way he has progressed in professional football up to now. Flo has what it takes to become a top player in the Bundesliga in the next few years and also an important part of the Germany team."
Bayer 04 sporting managing director Rudi Völler is also very happy about the long-term deal with Wirtz. "Not only has he had his first call-up to the Germany squad but Florian has also made fantastic progress over the past year-and-a-half here at Leverkusen," said Völler. "His outstanding talent was obviously apparent and it gave us great hope when we signed him as a 16-year-old. But it was definitely not to be expected that Florian would already be a key player in our first team. Given his youth and the fact he is currently doing his A-levels it is an extraordinary achievement," said Völler. "If Florian continues to develop in the same way then he can be an absolute leader and a key part of our team in the next few years."
The now 18-year-old Florian Wirtz, who has played for the Werkself since January 2020, said he "found everything at Bayer 04 Leverkusen as described and promised. I'm playing for a great club here, one of the best in Germany who I want to be with in the coming years to have a go at the biggest targets," said Wirtz. "I've really been able to improve on the pitch in a great team – that is and remains my aim. With my performances, I want to contribute to us being able to win titles in the near future."
Today sees Bayer 04 go head-to-head with their next direct rivals in the race for Champions League qualification (kick-off 15:30 CEST). Opponents Stuttgart are currently fifth in the table, level on points with the Werkself but one place below them due to a three-goal inferior goal difference. The Black and Reds' record at Bad Cannstatt tells a clearer story: they've not lost at VfB for over 16 years. One important factor in securing what would be three crucial points away from home is Leverkusen's strength on the counter-attack. Whilst Stuttgart are also extremely dangerous going forward, they will be without their captain. Today’s matchday news.
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Another showdown in the race for the Champions League places takes place in Swabia: on Saturday 9 May (kick-off 15:30 CEST), the Werkself visit VfB Stuttgart, who are only behind on goal difference. In his pre-match press conference, head coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke about confidence, excitement and mentality.
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Reinforcement in attack: Bayer 04 Leverkusen have secured the transfer of striker Maja Sternad from Bundesliga rivals SV Werder Bremen. The 22-year-old has signed a contract until 30 June 2028.
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It's a thrilling situation: as the season draws to a close, Stuttgart and Bayer 04 are heading into the home stretch almost neck and neck. After 32 games, with 17 wins, seven draws and eight defeats each, both teams are on 58 points. Even in terms of goals scored, VfB and the Werkself are level on 66. The Black and Reds have conceded just three fewer goals (43) than their rivals (46), which is why they sit one place behind fourth-placed Leverkusen. This Saturday, 9 May (kick-off: 15.30 CEST), the two teams go head to head at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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