"We are very happy to have been able to bring in a young yet very self-confident central defender with international experience in Piero Hincapie," declared sporting director Simon Rolfes. "Of course, we've watched him for a while. His very good performances against absolute world-class players at the big continental tournament in South America have confirmed us in our assessment that Piero has a very promising future. He fits in with Bayer 04 and we are convinced he will be an important player for us."
Sporting managing director Rudi Völler described the 1.84 metre tall left-footer as "a ball winner, intelligent and technically gifted. This transfer completely fits in with Bayer Leverkusen," said Völler. "Piero Hincapie is a highly talented player who has the quality to immediately strengthen our squad and, at the same time, can improve even further and reach an absolute top level."
That is exactly the target for the young Ecuadorian who will wear the number 33 shirt for the Werkself. "It's a great feeling for me that a club like Bayer 04 Leverkusen made such an effort to sign me. The Bundesliga and Bayer 04 have an outstanding reputation in my own country and in the whole of South America," said Hincapie. "Now I'm here and it's fantastic and I want to further improve my level in football to the benefit of the club. We have a great team who I'd like to help with good performances."
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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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended the contract with full-back Arthur ahead of schedule. The Werkself have agreed a new deal with the Brazilian to 30 June 2031. The 23-year-old was previously under contract to the summer of 2028.
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