
"In Leon Bailey we have brought in another highly promising player on a long-term deal," declared Bayer 04 CEO Michael Schade. "This lad was also high up on the wish list of many other European clubs. That makes as even happier to have won out against such strong competition."
Sporting director Rudi Völler believes Bailey, who is entitled to play in the Champions League in spite of Europa League appearances for Genk, fits in perfectly with the Werkself system. "He's an unusually quick, very tricky player who will give our attack an additional boost. We are sure Leon Bailey will be a big hit for us."
The player is very happy to wear the Werkself shirt. “Bayer 04 are a good club. I’d like to take my next important step here. Leverkusen are well known as a club where you can really develop. And the way they play football is attractive. I like that,” said Leon Bailey who will wear the number nine shirt this season.


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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The Bayer 04 Round of 16 tie in the 2026/27 DFB Pokal has been scheduled. The Werkself will host Bundesliga rivals RB Leipzig on Wednesday, 2 December, at 18:00 CET. That was announced by the German Football Association (DFB).
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Video game developer Electronic Arts (EA), in collaboration with the Bundesliga, has announced the six nominees for the Bundesliga Player of the Month award for October 2026 – and Bayer 04’s Ibrahim Maza is among them. Fans of the Black and Reds can vote from now until Sunday 8 November (23:59 CET).
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