Chinedu Ekene joins Hoffenheim
A Bayer 04 homegrown player is looking to find his sporting fortune further afield: Chinedu Ekene leaves Leverkusen for the second team at TSG 1899 Hoffenheim who play in the Regional League South West.
'Chine' has played for all junior sides at Bayer 04 in his 12 years at the club. The 19-year-old striker made just eight appearances in the U19 Bundesliga last term. The son of of a Nigerian and a German has played for the Germany U15 to U17 teams eleven times. In 2016 the youngster, born in Wuppertal, won the Germany U17 championships with Bayer 04.
Related News
Women - 23.06.2026
Bayer 04 Women start pre-season training
In glorious sunshine and temperatures of around 30 degrees Celsius, the Bayer 04 Women have begun their preparations for the new season. With a relaxed first session at the Kurtekotten training centre, coach Roberto Pätzold’s team became the first Bundesliga side to resume training after a 37-day break.
Show more
Sustainability - 23.06.2026
Diversity under the Cross: Bayer 04 at Pride on the Rhine in Leverkusen
Black and Red stand out. Under the slogan ‘Diversity under the Cross’, Bayer 04 took part in Pride on the Rhine at the weekend alongside the queer fan club “Bayer 04 Junxx”. The club mascot, Brian the Lion, and several members of staff were also in attendance, championing diversity and solidarity.
Show more
Women - 21.06.2026
Eleventh season at Bayer 04: Melissa Friedrich agrees new deal to 2027
Centre-back Melissa Friedrich is set to remain at Bayer 04 for another year. The longest-serving player in the squad, who joined the club in 2016, has extended her contract to 2027.
Show more
Bayer 04 - 18.06.2026
Portuguese striker Afonso Moreira joins Bayer 04 from Lyon
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have signed Portugal U21 international Afonso Moreira. The 21-year-old winger joins the club from French top-flight side Olympique Lyon on a contract to 30 June 2031. In France last year, the left-winger made 37 appearances in Ligue 1, the Coupe de France and the UEFA Europa League, scoring a total of eight goals and providing eleven assists.
Show more
