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
Werkself-TV - 15.08.2026
LIVE from 3.50 pm | Newcastle United – Bayer 04 | Test game
Bayer 04 will round off their 2026/27 pre-season preparations with a friendly against Premier League side Newcastle United. The match against the side featuring German internationals Malik Thiaw and Nick Woltemade will take place on Saturday 15 August (kick-off: 4 pm German time/3 pm local time) at St James’ Park. Werkself-TV will stream the match live in full and free of charge after logging in from 3.50 pm...
Bayer 04 - 13.08.2026
Medina, Palacios, Quansah and Co train at Nottingham Forest
After the 2-1 defeat at Premier League club Nottingham Forest the night before, it was straight back to work for the Werkself at midday on Thursday with an intensive training session in hot temperatures at the hosts' training ground.
Show more
Bayer 04 - 12.08.2026
First defeat of the pre-season at Nottingham Forest
The Werkself suffered a first defeat in the current pre-season fixtures. The sixth friendly of the summer ended in 2-1 reverse at Premier League Nottingham Forest. The English side took an early lead (4’) but Patrik Schick levelled just after the half-hour mark (32’). Nothing much happened after that, and the match looked set to end in a draw. However, the hosts managed to score the winning goal late on (90').
Show more
Bayer 04 - 12.08.2026
Bayer 04 loan Jeremiah Mensah to Dutch club
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have loaned U19 midfielder Jeremiah Mensah to Dutch second-tier side Roda JC Kerkrade for one year. The 18-year-old Germany youth international has a long-term contract at the club to 2031.
Show more
Bayer 04 - 12.08.2026
Bayer 04 responds to Bundeskartellamt statement
Bayer 04 Leverkusen Fußball GmbH has taken note of the final, non-binding statement issued by the Bundeskartellamt regarding the 50+1 rule and its application, and will now examine it carefully.
Show more
