
"Demarai Gray is a tricky, very fast and penetrating winger who will give our attacking game an additional boost," said Bayer 04 sporting director Simon Rolfes in describing the right-footer who was a surprise Champion of England with Leicester City in 2016. "He’s capable of winning out in fast one-on-ones and bringing his teammates into play. Thanks to his experience in the Premier League, Demarai is a player who can help us straightaway."
Sporting managing director Rudi Völler sees Gray, who has dual English and Jamaican nationality, "as important strengthening our squad in view of the large number of games we will face in the second half of the season," said Völler. "Demarai is an unpredictable forward who will give us more options for the rest of the season."
For Gray, who played five games in the Champions League for the Foxes, the move to Bayer 04 is "great opportunity to gain new experience abroad at a very attractive club. The whole world was watching when the Bundesliga was the first big league to start playing again last year after the break caused by the coronavirus. I like German football," declared Gray. "I've seen how Bayer 04 attack, are aggressive with great technique going forward and like to dictate the game through possession. I'll fit in well. I can, and I would, like to develop here and be successful with this attractive team."

Several Werkself players are set to represent their national teams during the final international break of 2026. Here’s an overview of who has been called up and what matches they will face in November. This article will be updated regularly.
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After three consecutive wins in the Europa League, the Werkself suffered their first European defeat of the season against Marseille. In a first half with few chances, the Black and Reds gradually gained more and more control of the game, but were unable to convert that advantage into goals. Miguel Gutiérrez came closest to putting Leverkusen ahead with a shot that hit the crossbar. In the second half, the French side produced clinical finishing, with Amine Gouiri scoring from a counter-attack to make it 1-0 (77’). Right up to the final whistle, the Werkself threw everything forward in search of an equaliser, but were unable to find a way back into the game.
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Bayer 04 are riding a wave of success on the European stage: After three wins from their first three games and as the only team yet to concede a goal, the Werkself sit second in the table in the group stage of the UEFA Europa League. With another three points in their first-ever competitive match against Olympique Marseille on Thursday night, 5 November (kick-off: 21:00 CET), Bayer 04 could leap to the top of the table. Meanwhile, the French side are riding the wave of a winning streak in Ligue 1, but are yet to pick up any points in the Europa League. For one Werkself player, Thursday night will mark a reunion with his former team-mates. Today’s matchday news.
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The Europa League campaign continues: Bayer 04 host Olympique Marseille at the BayArena on matchday four of the group stage on Thursday 5 November (kick-off: 21:00 CET). Ahead of the clash against the club from the French Mediterranean coast, head coach Carles Martínez spoke about the visitors’ form and had some good news regarding the squad. Former OM player Facundo Medina spoke, amongst other things, about the factors that will be crucial against his old club.
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