
"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.


The FIFA World Cup 2026 in the USA, Canada and Mexico is underway. A total of eight Leverkusen players are taking part in the 23rd World Cup, with 48 teams in the tournament for the first time. Bayer04.de brings you all the latest from Werkself players at the World Cup.
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A goal-fest to kick off the U19 European Championship in Wales: Germany defeated Denmark 4–3 in their first Group A fixture. Both Montrell Culbreath and captain Francis Onyeka were in the starting line-up, with the latter scoring the first goal of the game from the penalty spot on five minutes.
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Bayer 04 have transferred U19 midfielder Emmanuel Chigozie Owen to FC Utrecht in the Eredivisie.
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Renovation work has been underway at the BayArena for several weeks now as part of the stadium’s routine refurbishment after 17 years. More and more of the new folding seats – which, from next season, will provide significantly greater comfort and make it easier to move between rows – have now been installed. The new high-quality seats have now been fitted throughout the entire east stand, giving the BayArena a new lease of life.
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