Chelsea just took up preparations for the new season this week. After the 3-0 victory in the Club World Cup final against Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain in mid-July, Enzo Maresca’s team enjoyed a three-week holiday. The clash with the Werkself is the first friendly for the Blues.
The side from west London will not have much time for more matches as the Premier League campaign starts next weekend. Chelsea contest their second and final friendly the day after tomorrow, when they take on AC Milan at Stamford Bridge. Their first league clash will be staged on 17 August, when Chelsea entertain south London rivals Crystal Palace.
Bayer 04 and Chelsea have only faced off twice so far. The Werkself won 2-1 at the BayArena in the UEFA Champions League group stage in 2011/12, when Chelsea went on to win Europe’s premier club competition. The London side won the return fixture 2-0. Players like Fernando Torres, Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard and John Terry were in action for Chelsea back then, with the likes of Michael Ballack, André Schürrle, Renato Augusto and Simon Rolfes, today’s managing director for sport, featuring for the Black and Reds.
About 350 fans will travel to England to support the Werkself at Stamford Bridge. The Bayer 04 Fan Liaison has compiled all the relevant info for the fans as usual. Click here for the Fan Information!
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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