Back
31.01.2020Bayer 04

Bayer 04 sign central defender Tapsoba – Retsos on loan at Sheffield United

Bayer 04 Leverkusen have signed the central defender Edmond Tapsoba. The Burkina Faso international has signed a contract to 30 June 2025 and joins the Werkself with immediate effect from Portuguese top-flight club Vitoria Guimaraes.
crop_20200131_NB_B04_Edmond_Tapsoba_72390.jpg

At the same time, the Werkself have loaned out Panagiotis Retsos to the Premier League club Sheffield United to the end of the season. The versatile defender Retsos has a contract at Bayer 04 to 30 June 2022.

"Edmond Tapsoba was a regular first choice at Guimaraes at the age of 20 and in addition to his defensive ability, he’s also dangerous in front of goal," said Bayer 04 sporting director Simon Rolfes in commenting on the signing of the 1.92 metre tall defender. Tapsoba has made 32 appearances for the Portuguese side this season, scoring eight goals including three in the Europa League. And sporting managing director Rudi Völler added: "His really big potential makes Edmond Tapsoba a very interesting proposition as a player. We are happy we've been able to complete this transfer."

The signing of Tapsoba enabled Retsos to go out on loan: "Panos has lost a whole year through injuries and it's important for him to play now. The Premier League club Sheffield United offer the highest level for him to get back to top form," said Völler.

Related News

Jarell Quansah im Interview vor dem UEL-Auswärtsspiel bei OFI Kreta | UEL, 3. Spieltag
Werkself-TV - 21.10.2026

Quansah interview ahead of UEL match at OFI Crete

Ahead of Bayer 04's Europa League match away to OFI Crete in Greece, defender Jarell Quansah spoke to Werkself-TV...

Show more
Marc Landwehr
eSports - 21.10.2026

#B04eSports: Leverkusen miss out on offline round by a whisker

It couldn't have been any tighter! Despite winning four of six games in the online preliminary round in Showdown 1 of the VBL Club Championship 2026/27, Leverkusen eSports duo Marc and Sean Landwehr didn't make it through to the offline knockout round. Level on points (12) with seven other teams, Leverkusen were the only team with this points tally not to progress as they had the worst single-game record compared to their rivals.

Show more
Werner Wenning
Bayer 04 - 21.10.2026

Werner Wenning turns 80

He's one of the leading figures of Leverkusen and the German economy: Werner Wenning rose from an apprentice at Bayer 04 to CEO of the global company. A childhood Werkself fan, he has held a position of responsibility at the club for many years as chairman of the shareholder committee of Bayer 04 Leverkusen Fußball GmbH. Today the Leverkusen native celebrates his 80th birthday. The entire Bayer 04 family offers its warmest wishes!

Show more
OFI Kreta
Europa League - 20.10.2026

Our next opponents: OFI Crete a defensive stronghold on the island

OFI Crete have begun the UEFA Europa League league phase with one win and one defeat. The Greek Cup winners are still unbeaten at home this season, so a tricky assignment awaits the Werkself at the Pankritio on Thursday 22 October (kick-off 18:45 CEST). The lowdown on our next opponents.

Show more
Jonas Hofmann im Einsatz für Bayer 04
Europa League - 20.10.2026

Following Terrier’s withdrawal: Hofmann drafted into Europa League squad

Bayer 04 Leverkusen have drafted in Jonas Hofmann to their UEFA Europa League squad. The 34-year-old attacking midfielder will travel with the Werkself to Greece tomorrow, Wednesday 21 October, ahead of the match at OFI Crete the following day. Hofmann replaces injured teammate Martin Terrier in the squad.

Show more