The 55-year-old was on the main stage in the afternoon alongside Axel Hellmann (board member at Eintracht Frankfurt), Oliver Leki (board member at SC Freiburg) and Bernd Hoffmann (board member at Hamburger SV).
One of the key issues in the lively discussion with the Bundesliga bosses was the possible reform of the UEFA Champions League from 2024/25. For quite some time there has been talk and ideas, above all from Italy and Spain, about serious changes, at least in part. Carro: “You can talk about possible changes within the current structure in a number of areas and discuss it rationally but one thing has to be clear: Qualification for the Champions League can only come via national leagues.” A position that not only finds unanimity amongst those present at the conference but also with the whole of the DFL at the moment.
The chairman of the board at Bayer 04 has been a member of the UEFA Club Competitions Committee since September of last year. The committee reports to the executive committee and plays an important role in terms of the organisation of the European club competitions as well as the distribution of income from TV rights. The possible reform of the Champions League from 2024 is seen as one of the most important tasks facing the sports business. Carro is determined to speak out in a constructive manner for the Bundesliga: “We will have to see what is appropriate given the very different approaches and act responsibly to achieve a good result. A very complex task that I am looking forward to, nevertheless, and I’m determined to play my part.”
Bayer 04 sporting director Simon Rolfes was on the stage yesterday. The 38-year-old was initially a guest at the ‘kicker meets DAZN’ podcast with the presenters Benni Zander and Alex Schlüter (to be broadcast on Monday). Rolfes was then involved in a discussion with Marc Kosicke, Jürgen Klopp’s agent, and others, on the relationship between players, agents and clubs.
From his arrival at the airport, the medical and contract signing, right through to photo shoots, his very own trading card and his first interview at the BayArena: Werkself TV followed new signing Afonso Moreira up close on his first day in Leverkusen. In the interview, the 21-year-old Portuguese left-winger, who has joined the Werkself from Lyon, talks about his excitement ahead of joining Bayer 04 and the Bundesliga, as well as his conversation with head coach Carles Martínez. Moreira also reveals the secret behind his iconic goal celebration – which he intends to perform “as often as possible” at the BayArena next season...
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A new signing for the U19s: Bayer 04 have signed winger Clinton Wilson from Schalke 04. The 18-year-old previously played for Leverkusen youth teams from January to June 2024.
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After eight years, Ida Daedelow is set to leave Bayer 04 Leverkusen. The 18-year-old, whose original contract was due to run to 2027, is joining second-division side VfL Bochum.
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As with the other youth teams (U16 to U19), Bayer 04 are also relying on familiar faces—some in new roles—and fresh impetus from the coaching staff for the 2026/27 season in the younger age groups. An overview of the U11 to U15 teams.
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