With over 76% of the 2,500 votes cast, the 20-year-old Germany international was clearly ahead of his team-mates – the Werkself number 29 played a significant role in securing qualification for the Champions League with 17 goals and four assists in his 34 Bundesliga appearances. The fans certainly recognised the value of the performances and commitment of Havertz and once again rewarded the home-grown Bayer 04 talent with the vote as Player of the Season in a repeat of 2016/17. The award will be presented to Havertz at the season launch event at the BayArena on 4 August. Nils Trude, winner of a competition held as part of the vote, will hand over the trophy.
Charles Aránguiz was runner-up with 7% of the vote. The 30-year-old Chilean scored two goals and provided seven assists in 24 league games last season. The midfield maestro, who carried over his impressive performances in the Bundesliga to the Copa América, was narrowly ahead of Kevin Volland in third place on 5%. The 26-year-old also had an exceptional season and was involved in 18 goals in the second half of the Bundesliga campaign (eight goals, ten assists). The ten-time Germany international scored 14 goals in the Bundesliga to equal his personal goalscoring record from 2017/18.
The following fans were picked out as winners: Nils Trude (2 VIP tickets plus presentation of the trophy), Hilger Georges (home shirt), Michael Herkenroth (away shirt) plus Christopher Leseberg, Stefan Vogt, Daniel Köthe, Kristina Hartmann and Finja Übrick (two tickets each for a home game).
The Golden Boy Top 100 traditionally lists Europe’s most promising young players. In the latest update, published to mark the start of the new season, four current Werkself players – alongside loanee Francis Onyeka – feature on the list. This means Bayer 04 have the most players in contention of any Bundesliga club.
Show more
Goalkeeper Rafaela Borggräfe will continue to play for Bayer 04 Leverkusen next season. The loan of the Germany U23 international, who joined from Liverpool in the winter, has been extended by a further year.
Show more
The Bayer 04 delegation, led by Fernando Carro, CEO, concluded their multi-day trip to Brazil with a visit to the community-based organisation Bola Pra Frente in Rio de Janeiro – founded by former Werkself player Jorginho. During the visit, Bayer 04 committed to extending support for the Bola Pra Frente project for a further five years. In addition, Jorginho, a member of the Brazil 1994 World Cup-winning squad, was named Bayer 04’s second official club legend. With the visit to São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, the club has strengthened the relationships built up over the years in one of Bayer 04’s most important international markets.
Show more
Ten years after retiring as a player, Kristina Sundov is returning to the Bayer 04 Women’s team as assistant coach. The 39-year-old former Croatia international takes over from Remzi Kahraman, who has taken up a new challenge abroad. She has been given a contract to 30 June 2028.
Show more
The training pitches at the BayArena are already buzzing with activity again, even before training officially begins next week. On Monday morning, a small group from the Werkself first-team squad completed a session lasting around an hour. Both new and familiar faces were present.
Show more
