"Ibrahim Maza is currently one of the most interesting young attacking players," said sporting managing director Simon Rolfes about the German-Algerian born in Berlin who made 13 appearances for the Germany U18, U19 and U20 teams before opting to play for Algeria in 2024. "Ibrahim suits us and our style of football. He has outstanding technical ability, is good at dribbling and assertive and he also has vision for his teammates who he can brilliantly bring into play," said Rolfes about the 1.80 metre tall right footer.
For the highly talented attacking midfielder the move to the champions of Germany is "a great chance – a dream! I had the best opportunities to develop and improve with Hertha in the second division," said Maza. Now I want to prove myself on the big stage with a top European club. I'm very much looking forward to Bayer 04, to the special, tight stadium with its great atmosphere and to a team that has really impressed me in recent years. Here in Leverkusen I can develop even more and win titles – that's what motivates me."
Strengthening the Bayer 04 Leverkusen youth teams: Konstantinos Kotsifakis will join the Werkself from Bundesliga 2 club Hertha Berlin for the 2026/27 season, where he will be a permanent member of the Leverkusen U19 coaching set-up. The German-Greek will also take on an operational role in coaching the Bayer 04 Future Team. The 29-year-old was most recently head coach of the U17s at Hertha Berlin.
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Another award for the Bayer 04 head groundsman and staff: After coming top in the 2021/22, 2022/23 and 2024/25 seasons, the BayArena pitch came second in the Bundesliga Pitch of the Year ranking for the 2025/26 season. VfL Wolfsburg secured the top spot this year, with TSG Hoffenheim in third place.
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Opening opponents, derby weekends, the opponents in the season finale: This information and more will be available to Bayer 04 fans on Thursday, 2 July, when the 2026/27 Bundesliga fixture list is published.
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The next footballing highlight is just around the corner: the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 23rd edition of the tournament, will be held in the USA, Canada and Mexico and feature 48 teams for the first time. Bayer04.de has all the latest on the Werkself players called up to represent their countries.
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While the majority of the Bayer 04 Women are enjoying their summer break, nine Werkself players will be on duty for their national teams in the coming days. Three of them are competing for a place at the World Cup, while six are involved in two friendlies with the Germany U23 team.
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