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

Ticket-Infos
Bayer 04 - 14.07.2026

Tickets for the friendly fixtures in Nottingham and Newcastle

In mid-August, the Werkself will set off on a four-day trip to England to play their final two friendly matches of the 2026/27 pre-season against Premier League clubs Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United. The match in Nottingham against the Tricky Trees is on Wednesday 12 August at 20:45 CEST (19:45 BST) at the City Ground. The game against the Magpies in Newcastle is on Saturday 15 August at 16:00 CEST (15:00 BST) at the atmospheric St James’ Park. Details on ticket sales for both matches.

Show more
Azubi-Ehrung von Bayer 04
Bayer 04 - 14.07.2026

Bayer 04 congratulate three female apprentices on successfully completing their apprenticeships

Black and Red talent development at the highest level – even off the pitch: Apprentices Jule Suermann, Leandra Bellia and Julia Niederheide have successfully completed their two- or three-year apprenticeships at the club. Bayer 04 honoured the trio at the BayArena on Tuesday.

Show more
Tapsoba
Bayer 04 - 13.07.2026

Ahead of open training session: Werkself undergo fitness assessments

Following the summer break, most of the players are back in Leverkusen. While two Bayer 04 first-team players are still in action at the World Cup, the players present officially kicked off the new season with fitness assessments. At the Werkstatt, the Bayer 04 rehabilitation and training centre, Robert Andrich, Edmond Tapsoba and the rest of the squad worked up quite a sweat in the sweltering summer heat. New signings Afonso Moreira and Kennet Eichhorn also successfully completed the day’s sessions alongside their new team-mates.

Show more
Das Trainerteam um Chefcoach Carles Martínez
Bayer 04 - 13.07.2026

Coaching team led by head coach Carles Martínez confirmed

The Werkself return tomorrow, Tuesday 14 July (from 11:00 CEST at the BayArena; live stream on bayer04.de, the Bayer 04 app and YouTube), with new head coach Carles Martínez leading his first training session as part of the Bayer 04 set-up. His coaching team comprises a mix of new and long-standing colleagues.

Show more
crop_imago1079683398.jpg
Bayer 04 - 12.07.2026

World Cup blog: Spain in the final – Palacios and Quansah aim to follow suit

The FIFA World Cup 2026 in the USA, Canada and Mexico is underway. A total of eight Leverkusen players are taking part in the 23rd World Cup, with 48 teams in the tournament for the first time. Bayer04.de brings you all the latest from Werkself players at the World Cup.

Show more