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

Kerim Alajbegovic
Bayer 04 - 02.08.2026

Bayer 04 transfer Kerim Alajbegovic to Juventus

Bayer 04 Leverkusen have agreed Kerim Alajbegovic’s transfer to Italian record champions Juventus. The club brought the 18-year-old attacking player back to Leverkusen this summer via a buy-back option, following a season at Red Bull Salzburg. Until his move to Austria, the Bosnia international had been playing for Bayer 04’s Under-19s.

Show more
Lobke Loonen trifft zum 1:0
Women - 01.08.2026

Home kit debut: Women’s team win friendly against Genk

With 22 days to go until the start of the Bundesliga campaign, the Bayer 04 Women’s team have gained a fresh boost of confidence. In a friendly against Belgian top-flight side KRC Genk on Saturday afternoon, coach Roberto Pätzold’s team secured a 1–0 win. Lobke Loonen (20’) scored the winner for the Black and Reds at the Kurtekotten training centre.

Show more
Werkself wins friendly against Rot-Weiss Essen 3-0 | Friendly
Werkself-TV - 01.08.2026

TV highlights of 3-0 win in friendly against Rot-Weiss Essen

Werkself TV shows the highlights of the 3-0 victory in the friendly match against Rot-Weiss Essen...

Show more
Kennet Eichhorn
Bayer 04 - 01.08.2026

Kennet Eichhorn sidelined

Bayer 04 Leverkusen will have to manage without Kennet Eichhorn for the time being. Following specialist medical examinations, the new signing from Berlin has been diagnosed with a metabolic disorder requiring treatment. This was preceded by excessive physical strain and weight loss, partly as a result of a gastrointestinal condition.

Show more
Die Werkself bejubelt das 1:0
Bayer 04 - 01.08.2026

Werkself beat Essen 3-0 in friendly ahead of preseason training camp

A successful fourth preseason friendly ahead of the start of the training camp: The Werkself secured a 3-0 victory over Rot-Weiss Essen at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium. The goals in what was a commanding and dominant performance by Leverkusen from the outset were scored by Ibrahim Maza (8'), Patrik Schick from the penalty spot (23’) and, in the second half, Montrell Culbreath with a header (79’). The team set off for their training camp in Blankenhain in the Weimarer Land region after the game.

Show more