The big moment came at exactly 22.37 CET and Emrehan Gedikli was unable to hide a little smile. Head coach Peter Bosz again called up the young striker to his squad for the home game against Hapoel Be’er Sheva (4-1) – and Gedikli came on with ten minutes to play make his first team debut at the age of 17 years, seven months and one day.
And at the Kurtekotten Performance Centre the staff were getting right behind homegrown talent Gedikli who is currently completing a course as a sports and fitness sales executive at Bayer 04. Thomas Eichin, head of the youth section: "I'm incredibly happy that Emrehan has been able to make the step up. He's worked hard for it. The lad has been with us since the U8s and now is suddenly playing alongside the senior players in the Europa League at the age of 17."
Florian Wirtz was even younger than Gedikli when he made his first-team debut for the Black and Reds. Our number 27 is the youngest Bundesliga first team player of all time at Bayer 04 and, in spite of being just 17 years old, has made twelve appearances across all competitions this season. No wonder the market value of this year's winner of the gold Fritz Walter medal (for the U17 age group) has been increased. The website transfermarkt.de recently valued Wirtz at €24 million. The Germany U21 international has therefore more than doubled his market value, which was previously set at €10 million.
Another four Werkself players have also earned an upgrade for their performances: Edmond Tapsoba (+8 to 30 million), Daley Sinkgraven (+2.5 to 7.5 million), Moussa Diaby (+4 to 36 million) and Lucas Alario (+6.5 to 20 million.).
You have decided: Leon Bailey is your Man of the Match for the 4-1 home win against Hapoel Be’er Sheva. The Jamaican, who scored a brace in the game in Israel, made it 2-0 with an assist from Wendell. Congratulations, Leon!
After the Europa League victory against Be’er Sheva, Bayer 04 are back in action in the Bundesliga. Hertha Berlin visit the BayArena on Sunday 29 November (kick-off: 15.30 CET/live on Sky and on Werks11 Radio at bayer04.de plus on the Bayer 04 app). The team from the capital will wear black armbands for this match in memory of former president Heinz Warneke who passed away last Sunday at the age of 89.
After eight years in the youth set-up at Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Benjamin Adam is leaving the club. The 35-year-old, who most recently coached the Leverkusen U17s, will take charge of the Hansa Rostock U19 team next season.
Show more
Welcome to Leverkusen, Kennet Eichhorn. Bayer 04 have signed the 16-year-old midfielder from Hertha Berlin. Read on to find out more about our new signing.
Show more
There was a successful end to the women's internationals with Werkself players Carlotta Wamser and Cornelia Kramer qualifying for the 2027 World Cup finals in Brazil. A third Leverkusen player is still in with a chance of joining them. The Germany U23 players also experienced success in their last two international friendlies of the season.
Show more
Traveling to North America for the World Cup this summer to see your favorite Bayer 04 players? Here’s a quick cheat sheet with thumbnail portraits and insider tips for each city from a local expert, so you can make the most of your visit and activities beyond the game!
Show more
