“We’re delighted to have completed this transfer. Sardar Azmoun has been one of Russian football’s top goalscorers for several years. He’s been champion three years in a row there with Zenit, regularly played in the Champions League and shown himself to be of international class at the highest level,” said Bayer 04 sporting director Simon Rolfes of the signing. “Our attack gains extra quality with him. Sardar will make our attack even more unpredictable and powerful.”
Managing director for sport Rudi Völler says the 1.86m-tall Azmoun is a “versatile striker capable of playing in several positions. He’s very quick, good in the air and has a good sense for space. But he’s not just a goalscorer. Sardar Azmoun also sets up a lot of goals and is an outstanding fit for the Werkself as a player who combines well with others.”
For Azmoun, who has 39 goals in 60 caps for Iran, the move to Leverkusen is “a step from the best club in Russia to one of the best leagues in Europe. Bayer 04 Leverkusen has a really great squad. I’ve been keeping an eye on the club for a long time and am impressed by the team’s style of play,” said Russia’s Footballer of the Year for 2021. “It’s incredibly exciting for me to soon be able to play in the Bundesliga. And I’m convinced I’ll make the team even better with my footballing ability.”
On the back of two straight defeats, Hoffenheim come to the BayArena on Saturday (kick-off: 3.30pm CET) looking to once again demonstrate their good record away from home. The Sinsheim club have managed to claim points in many of their recent visits to Leverkusen. We take a look at what shape the Bundesliga’s eighth-placed team are in before they take on the league leaders.
Show moreBayer 04 is once again holding its traditional family matchday, presented by main sponsor Barmenia, as part of the Werkself’s Bundesliga game at home to Hoffenheim on Saturday, 30 March. Fans can look forward to family-friendly offers, an entertainment programme with numerous play stalls and hands-on activities around the BayArena. Here’s all you need to know about the family matchday.
Show moreNumerous players from the Bayer 04 youth teams have also been on their travels in the final international break of the season, including three for the German U17 side. A round-up of all the games involving our boys.
Show moreThe Bayer 04 Women go into a three-week league break with a goalless draw. The team led by coach Robert de Pauw secured a point in a hard-fought game away to SGS Essen thereby maintaining a two-point lead over the hosts in the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga. The Leverkusen Women are fifth in the table after 17 games on 25 points.
Show moreBayer 04 Women have faced Essen twice already this season, with neither game in Leverkusen ending well for the home side. The league encounter finished goalless, while the DFB Cup quarter-final at the BayArena ended in a 2-1 defeat and elimination. Now 19 days later, Robert de Pauw’s side are looking to make up for all of that as they visit Essen in the Google Pixel Bundesliga on Sunday (kick-off: 6.30pm CET).
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