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

Tag der Gesundheit bei Bayer 04
Sustainability - 21.09.2026

Health Day at the BayArena: interactive workshops and exciting programme of events

Calling all Werkself fans: Even during the three-week international break – a first for September and October – you have the chance to visit the BayArena – and for a very special occasion. Bayer 04 is hosting a Health Day on Saturday 3 October, from 10:00 to 14:00 CEST in the Premium Lounge. Together with Bayer Vital and main sponsor BarmeniaGothaer, the Bundesliga club invites you to an interactive, free event centred on the theme of health. Partners will be present on site with their own exciting activities. Here is an overview of the programme of events.

Show more
Women: TV-highlights of 2-1 win at SC Freiburg
Werkself-TV - 20.09.2026

Women: TV-highlights of 2-1 win at SC Freiburg

Werkself-TV shows the highlights of Bayer 04 Women's 2-1 win at SC Freiburg on Matchday 5 of the 2026/27 Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga.

Show more
Miguel Gutiérrez und Facundo Medina
Bundesliga - 20.09.2026

Werkself impress in 2-0 win over RB Leipzig

Bayer 04 produced an impressive display from start to finish as they maintained their perfect home record this season with a 2-0 win over RB Leipzig on Bundesliga Matchday 4. Patrik Schick opened the scoring just before half-time, with Miguel Gutiérrez getting his first Werkself goal to wrap up the three points at the BayArena, where fans also got to enjoy the family matchday activities.

Show more
Peter Hermann
Bayer 04 - 19.09.2026

Bayer 04 mourn the loss of Peter Hermann

Peter Hermann passed away on Saturday at the age of 74. The entire Bayer 04 family is deeply saddened by the loss of a much-loved figure who helped shape football in Leverkusen over many decades. He was also one of the most respected coaches in the whole of Germany. Hermann had been suffering from ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) for some time.

Show more