Back
15.08.2023Bayer 04

Bayer 04 sign Czech keeper Kovar from Manchester United

Bayer 04 have signed the Czech goalkeeper Matej Kovar. The 23-year-old joins Leverkusen from Manchester United. The 6‘ 5“ U21 international was on loan from Manchester United at top-flight Czech club Sparta Prague last season. The English club signed Kovar five years ago when he moved from his hometown club FC Slovacko to the U18 squad of the Premier League side. Kovar has signed a contract at Leverkusen to 30 June 2027.
crop_20230811_Kovar_Vertragsunterzeichnung-23.jpg

"Matej Kovar is big, strong in one-on-ones and is very good with his feet," said Simon Rolfes, Bayer 04 sporting managing director, in describing the qualities of the Czech keeper. "He's a player with great prospects and we have high hopes for him in the coming years."

Kovar made 32 appearances as the number one keeper at Sparta Prague last season and he kept a clean sheet 11 times. Before his move to Germany, he had detailed discussions with his Czech fellow countrymen, the former Leverkusen player Michal Kadlec. "Michal not only told me all about the Bundesliga but also Bayer 04 Leverkusen in particular," said the goalkeeper. "He described the club to me in glowing detail. I'm very excited about the quality of this team. From what I've seen so far, I can hardly wait for the next few years."

Related News

Jubel von Sofie Zdebel
Women - 12.03.2026

February Goal of the Month: Derby stunner from Sofie Zdebel nominated

Sofie Zdebel is up for the Goal of the Month award for February on ARD-Sportschau. Fans have until 21 March (19:00 CET) to vote for the Germany U23 international's volley to make it 2-0 in the Bayer 04 Women's derby against FC Köln (2-1).

Show more
PerNaturam wird neuer Partner der Bayer 04-Frauen
Women - 12.03.2026

Feed manufacturer PerNaturam is new Bayer 04 Women’s team partner

Bayer 04 Leverkusen are further expanding their partner network: The feed manufacturer PerNaturam is an official sponsor of the Bayer 04 Womens team. The partnership opens up a wide range of opportunities for the company to position its brand in the Bundesliga environment.

Show more
Training beim Juniorinnen-Talenttag
Women - 12.03.2026

Junior talent day in spring: Open trials on 12 April

Do you dream of wearing the Bayer cross on your chest? To play in black and red like your role models Loreen Bender, Cornelia Kramer, Kristin Kögel and co. from the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga? Then take your chance now! Our female youth teams are once again on the lookout for new talent. That's why Bayer 04 are organising a talent day on 12 April 2026 for the first time this year with trials for female juniors.

Show more
William Saliba und Christian Kofane
Champions League - 11.03.2026

Battling Werkself impress in 1-1 draw with Arsenal

Bayer 04 were on the brink of victory against Arsenal in the first leg of the Round of 16 tie in the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League, but conceded a late goal to make the final score 1-1. After an even first half, Robert Andrich gave Leverkusen the lead with a header on 46 minutes. The Werkself then defended with discipline and gave little away until just before the end when the Gunners equalised with Kai Havertz converting a penalty (89').

Show more
Kurzpässe vor #B04ARS
Champions League - 11.03.2026

Matchday news #B04ARS: Double reunion in Round of 16 first leg against flawless Gunners

Arsenal, one of the favourites in the UCL, visit the BayArena for the first leg in the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16. Kai Havertz and Piero Hincapie, two long-serving Bayer 04 players, are set to return to the BayArena for the first time since leaving the club. As part of the match against the Gunners, fans can look forward to exciting Sound of Dreams festival activities at the stadium. Club members can also secure another SoD Unplugged ticket for a chance to win a special prize. Today’s matchday news.

Show more