
"Charly has had a difficult time in the past six months due to his injury. It was no longer possible for him to play at his normal level in the closing stages of this season. Therefore, we have met his request to return to South America two months earlier than planned to be able to have time to make a systematic start with his new club," explained Bayer 04 sporting managing director Simon Rolfes. "Charly was an important part of our Werkself for a good seven and a half years – now we wish him every success with his new, old club in Brazil."
Aránguiz' departure is a turning point for the Chile international with 97 caps: "I've always felt at home in Leverkusen through all the years. This club has also always supported me even in difficult times and I won't forget that," said the midfielder. "Now I want to spend the rest of my career in South America closer to my family. But I'd like to say thank you, particularly to the fans in Black and Red – for me it is leaving in friendship."

Season tickets for the Werkself home matches in the new Google Pixel Women’s Bundesliga season are now on general sale. The season ticket is valid for all 13 matches at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium. The first home match will be played between 28 and 31 August against the runners-up, VfL Wolfsburg, followed by the clash with the German champions, Bayern Munich, between 11 and 14 September.
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A new team, a new environment, a new challenge—and yet one thing remains the same for Afonso Moreira: his attitude. Total dedication, discipline, and the drive to improve every day have defined the Portuguese player since his early days at Sporting CP. “Even back then, I realized I had to work hard to achieve my goals,” said the 21-year-old. His parents also instilled those values in him from a young age. Values that have driven him ever since, accompanied him to France when he signed for Lyon, and now also form the foundation for his new chapter at Bayer 04. At a media session, the lightning-fast winger spoke about his values, as well as his new teammates, the new coach, and his targets at the club.
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Bayer 04 are back on the pitch. Following the first training sessions, the Werkself play the first pre-season friendly on Saturday, July 18. The match against Oberliga club Sportfreunde Baumberg kicks off at 15:30 CEST in Monheim am Rhein. Fans unable to attend the match can watch head coach Carles Martínez’s first game in charge for free via a livestream at bayer04.de and on the Bayer 04 app, as well as on Werkself.tv (exclusively for members). Just log on and watch the games live. All the other Werkself preseason friendlies leading up to the 2026/27 season will also be streamed live for free.
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Former Bundesliga and Germany keeper Manfred Manglitz, who was promoted to the Oberliga West with Bayer 04 in 1962, passed away on Monday at the age of 86.
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