
"Moussa Diaby is an extremely fast, technically strong striker whose qualities suit our game down to the ground," said sporting director Simon Rolfes after the second signing in the current transfer window following that of Kerem Demirbay. "Moussa is already very advanced at the age of 19. He played 34 games last season, an impressive number for a top European club like PSG. He's one of the really big French talents who will find ideal conditions here with us in Leverkusen to develop into an absolutely top player," added Rolfes.
Diaby, who will wear the number 19 shirt for Bayer 04, came through the youth ranks at Paris Saint-Germain and he was a regular for the French team at the U20 World Cup in Poland. The left-footer is happy "about a great chance to have a fresh start at a top German club where I can improve myself and my game. The move abroad into one of the best and most evenly balanced leagues in Europe is extremely exciting," said Diaby. "I'm very interested in Germany, the special type of football and the great stadiums. And of course, it's great to be in the Champions League with Bayer 04."
For Rudi Völler, the Diaby transfer means "we are once again a very attractive club for young top players. It's well known that you can quickly reach the highest level at Leverkusen and that we are willing to show our confidence and share responsibility early independent of age with appropriate performances," said the sporting managing director. "I'm sure Moussa Diaby will be really good for us with his great pace and his technique."

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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