The Werkself players thanked the nurses and support staff from the Klinikum Leverkusen. On behalf of everybody, Bayer 04 printed the names of ten members of staff on shirts. Lars Bender, Lukas Hradecky, Jonathan Tah, Kai Havertz and Co. signed them and had them delivered – unfortunately without saying thank you personally due to the current circumstances.
In addition to the Werkself players and several big names from the USA top leagues of the NBA (basketball) and NFL (American football), the former Bayer 04 crowd favourite Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez, now playing for LA Galaxy, also thanked the doctors, nurses and care workers as part of this campaign. Everyone can say thank you via the hashtags #TheRealHeroes and #WorldNursesday.
The German Football Association (DFB) has officially recognised Bayer 04 as a centre for the development of female talent for the 2026/27 season. The club was awarded that role on 1 January 2026, and this status has now been renewed.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have sold young defender Andrea Natali to AZ Alkmaar on permanent terms. The 18-year-old Italian was on loan at the Dutch club last season, where he mainly played for the reserve team in the second division.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have loaned new signing Luca Erlein to newly promoted FC Energie Cottbus for the 2026/27 season. This will give him the opportunity to play in Bundesliga 2. The club signed the 19-year-old right-back on a permanent basis last week, on a contract to 30 June 2030.
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Trophies as a youth, appearances in the pro game and his first taste of international competition: new arrival Luca Erlein, who has been signed from TSG Hoffenheim, can already look back on some remarkable achievements and moments in his fledgling career. We take a closer look at the 19-year-old right-back, who can also fill other roles across the defensive line.
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