"In Kerem Demirbay we have gained a technically skilled and strategic midfielder who can also score goals," said Bayer 04 sporting director Simon Rolfes. "Kerim was an absolute key player at Hoffenheim and he will be an important factor for us in meeting our targets next season," added Rolfes.
For Demirbay, who joined Hoffenheim in 2016 from Hamburg SV, the move is: "The next step after three really great years at TSG. Bayer 04 have always played attractive, attacking football," declared the 25-year-old. "That style suits me and I'm really looking forward to being part of this team."
Sporting managing director Rudi Völler underlined that Demirbay's signing is "a clear signal of our ambitions. We have big plans for next season but first we want to qualify for European competition," said Völler. "For, hopefully, three competitions we need top players like Kerem Demirbay.
A goalkeeping era is coming to an end for Bayer 04 Women, with Friederike Repohl retiring when her contract expires at the end of the season. The 31-year-old has played for the Werkself since 2021 and also captained the team since last season. The Bielefeld-born keeper already made her decision during the winter break before her injury.
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Job done: the Bayer 04 eSports team defeated SV Darmstadt 98 in the play-offs to secure their consecutive participation in the VBL Club Championship final. The journey continues now for Leverkusen on Saturday 7 March (from 17:00 CET) with a last-16 encounter at Hamburger SV.
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The first international break in 2026 marks the start of the battle to qualify for the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil for a German and Austrian duo, while a quintet will conclude the U23 international season. A total of eight Leverkusen players will be on international duty with their national teams in the coming days.
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Werkself TV shows highlights of the 0-0 draw against Olympiacos in the second leg of the play-offs of the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 league...
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In addition to the joy of reaching the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, the Werkself were particularly pleased with their next clean sheet and their focussed defensive performance. Although there was self-criticism after the 0-0 draw against Olympiacos in the play-off second leg, Jonas Hofmann aptly summed the position after the game: "What counts in knockout matches is going through." And one young man in particular will not forget this game in a hurry. The Werkself review.
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