"Borja Iglesias with his football profile can fill the gap left by Victor's absence," said Bayer 04 sporting managing director Simon Rolfes. "He is physically strong, is good at winning the ball, is confident in moves, does not shirk any challenges and is good at finishing. He gives us a necessary option in attack to continue our successful season," said Rolfes.
The 1.87 metre tall Iglesias is looking forward to joining Bayer 04 Leverkusen: "It really is a fantastic challenge for me. The team is currently causing a stir in Spain with lots of people there watching the team that's making a really great impression," said the right-footed player who has scored 36 goals for Real Betis in three LaLiga campaigns. “I'm excited about the opportunity to be part of it and I will give my all for the success of this team."
The European jersey has been launched, the UEL opponents have been drawn – and anticipation for the European campaign is running high. To mark the occasion, an autograph session was held on Friday afternoon, 28 August, at the Fanwelt with current Werkself player Montrell Culbreath and official club legend Paulo Sergio.
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On Friday afternoon, it will be decided which eight of the 36 participating teams Bayer 04 will face in the group stage of the UEFA Europa League in 2026/27. At the draw in Monaco (live on UEFA.com), the Werkself will be drawn against two teams from each of the four pots, allocated according to the UEFA club coefficient. A match against an opponent from the same country is ruled out, as is facing more than two clubs from the same national association. Here’s a look at the pots and potential opponents.
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After six and a half years, Exequiel Palacios is leaving the Bundesliga and moving from Bayer 04 to the Premier League. The Argentine, who as a Werkself player won the World Cup with his national team four years ago and finished as runners-up at this summer’s tournament, will play for newly promoted English side Ipswich Town with immediate effect. The 27-year-old, whose contract in Leverkusen was due to run until 30 June 2030, joined Bayer 04 in January 2020 as a promising young talent. He steadily developed into one of the best defensive midfielders in the German top flight.
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When Exequiel Palacios moved from the Argentinian club River Plate to Bayer Leverkusen on 1 January 2020, the then 21-year-old could not have imagined just how successful the next six and a half years would be for him. Pala, as he is known, had already won the Copa Libertadores – the most prestigious competition in South American club football – with River Plate. But there were still so many more trophies to come.
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