19 Werkself pros were available to Heiko Herrlich in the first session on Friday morning but the boss was till without absentees Lukas Hradecky, Charles Aránguiz, Panos Retsos, Joel Pohjanpalo, Dominik Kohr, and the two World Cup participants Julian Brandt and Tin Jedvaj. The head coach brought in three U19 players to boost the numbers: Ayman Azhil, Jan Boller and Adrian Stanilewicz had the chance to train with the first team.
Over-punctual - ten minutes ahead of the set time - the first players went onto the training ground, including birthday boy Wendell, who was serenaded by his team-mates on his 25th birthday. The Brazilian was accompanied by fellow countryman new signing Paulinho, who joined the first team squad for the first time on the training ground. After the warm-up routine, he went onto a neighbouring pitch to carry on working on his own. "We can't forget that Paulinho broke his arm in March and hasn't touched a ball in training since then. We don't want to take any risks and we''ll introduce him step by step," said Heiko Herrlich after the session. The 18-year-old will not feature in tomorrow's friendly at Siegen: "He is due to train with the team in a week's time and only then can we thinking about playing him."
While Leon Bailey, Karim Bellarabi and Co. focused on working with the ball, passing drills and moves, their team-mate Dominik Kohr was not available but Herrlich is expecting him to return. Last Tuesday, the 24-year-old slightly twisted his knee. "His knee was sore so we rested him yesterday and the day before. Dominik had treatment again today and it's all looking good," said Herrlich. "We're very optimistic he will be able to play for a half against Siegen."
The Werkself coach also offered a prognosis on Charles Aránguiz (rehab after knee problems): "We've increased the therapy to eradicate the pain. That means he cannot be subjected to too much work at the moment. He should be able to join in at the training camp next week."
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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