"Panagiotis Retsos had several offers from top clubs playing in Europe this season. That makes it even more gratifying for us that he decided to sign for Bayer 04 Leverkusen – particularly as he played a key role in Olympiakos qualifying for the Champions League," said Bayer 04 sporting director Rudi Völler. "Panagiotis is a young pro with special talents and he fits in perfectly with our requirements. He represents an investment in the future of the club."
The 19-year-old became the youngest-ever captain of the reigning Greek champions at the age of 18 years, five months and 30 days. Retsos mainly played in central defence for Olympiakos. The right-footer, who joins the Greece national team under coach Michael Skibbe on Thursday night for the World Cup qualifier against Estonia, can also play on the flanks. "Bayer Leverkusen have always played in the Champions League in recent years despite strong domestic competition and that really impressed me," said Retsos. "The offer from a club like this makes me proud and, of course, I'm really looking forward to playing in the Bundesliga – for me one of the best and most attractive leagues in Europe."
In Panagiotis Retsos the Werkself coach Heiko Herrlich now has a player "who was at the top of our list. It's good the club management have been able to conclude a successful move," said Herrlich. "It wasn't easy as such a talented lad like Panagiotis is very much in demand. I'm very happy that we were able to complete the deal."
Bosnia U19 international Kerim Alajbegovic is moving from Bayer 04 Leverkusen's youth set-up to Red Bull Salzburg. The talented attacking midfielder has signed a long-term contract with the Austrian club. At the same time, the works club secured a buy-back option for the 17-year-old, who was one of the mainstays of the Leverkusen U19s.
Show moreThe Werkself are away to Premier League club Chelsea in the final pre-season friendly. The game against the current holders of the UEFA Conference League is on Friday, 8 August at Stamford Bridge with the kick-off at 20:00 CEST. Read on for information on ticket sales.
Show moreThe Werkself are away to Dutch top-flight club Fortuna Sittard in the third pre-season friendly. The match is on Friday, 1 August at the Fortuna Sittard stadium with the kick-off at 19:00 CEST. Read on for information on ticket sales.
Show moreThe Werkself are away to VfL Bochum in the second pre-season friendly. The match is on Sunday, 27 July at the Vonovia Ruhrstadion with the kick-off at 18:00 CEST. Read on for the latest information on ticket sales.
Show more