All three received an official farewell at the last home game of the season against Schalke 04. The two managing directors Fernando Carro and Rudi Völler thanked the trio for their commitment to Bayer 04.
Jonas Boldt worked for the Werkself for a total of 15 years. It began in 2003 with a placement; in 2007 the man from Nuremberg joined the scouting department. As a scout, head scout, sporting manager and finally sporting director – the 37-year-old has played a significant part in all the transfers in recent years thus making a contribution to the success of the Werkself. At the end of November last year, Jonas Boldt decided to leave his post as sporting director and the club at the end of the season.
While Boldt leaves Bayer 04 after a long stay, Isaac Kiese Thelin and Thorsten Kirschbaum only moved to Leverkusen in the summer of 2018. Kiese Thelin joined the Werkself from Anderlecht on a season-long loan. Last term the Sweden striker made 14 appearances in all competitions and scored one goal.
Goalkeeper Thorsten Kirschbaum also leaves the club after one season. The 32-year-old was the third choice shot-stopper in this campaign behind Lukas Hradecky and Ramazan Özcan. In the middle of December the number 24 made his competitive debut for the Black and Reds in the 5-1 win at AEK Larnaca in the Europa League – it was also Kirschbaum’s first game in a European cup competition.
“Diaby! Diaby! Diaby!” was the cry around the BayArena as the Werkself danced in front of the north stand following their 4-0 win over Union Berlin. Captain Edmond Tapsoba gave his new (and old) teammate a friendly shove forward to take in the acclaim from the fans. The returning Frenchman was typically reserved in thanking the supporters but was clearly emotional about what was happening.
Show more
The Bundesliga is back at the BayArena this Saturday as Bayer 04 play their first home game of the 2026/27 campaign against Union Berlin (15:30 CEST). Moussa Diaby could make his second debut for the Werkself following his return to Leverkusen – and it would be an ideal fixture for the Frenchman. Here’s all you need to know ahead of the encounter in our matchday news.
Show more
Werkself-TV shows the highlights of the Bayer 04 women's 2-1 at TSG Hoffenheim on the 3rd matchday of the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga 2026/27.
Show more
The Bundesliga returns to the BayArena for 2026/27 as Bayer 04 host Union Berlin on Saturday (15:30 CEST) looking for their first points of the season after last week’s opening loss at Elversberg. Head coach Carles Martínez spoke ahead of the game about what he’s learned, the team’s newest signings and who could return to the squad.
Show more
