News in brief: Newcomer trio train
The final winter signing for the Werkself has joined the squad after completing self-isolation, Santiago Arias is back, and a Bayer 04 legend celebrates his birthday. Today's news in brief...
All three of the Bayer 04 winter signings are now well and truly at Bayer 04. While Timothy Fosu-Mensah can already look back at two starts and a substitute appearance for the Werkself, Jeremie Frimpong made his debut for Leverkusen on Tuesday night in the DFB Cup game in Essen. We congratulate the 20-year-old Dutchman on his first game for the Werkself. Following his period of self-isolation, Demarai Gray joined his new teammates on Thursday and completed his first training session in Leverkusen.
Gray and Frimpong went in front of the cameras after the training session. Official photos were taken in both the black home and the red away kits – for autograph cards, for bayer04.de, graphics etc. Here's a little taster:
Arias back in Leverkusen
Santiago Arias is back in Leverkusen. The Colombian, who arrived on loan from Atlético Madrid in the summer, returned to Germany at the start of the week and has been working on his comeback in the 'Werkstatt' at the BayArena since Wednesday. After the bad fractured fibula he suffered in the international against Venezuela in October, Arias underwent an operation in Madrid and started his rehab there. Two screws had to be removed from his leg recently and now the 29-year-old can fully focus on a hopefully rapid return to the pitch.
Schreier is 62
A former Bayer 04 player with legend status celebrates his 62nd birthday on this Thursday: many happy returns to Christian Schreier. Stay fit and healthy. The striker played for the Werkself from 1984 to 1991 and he was one of the heroes from the UEFA Cup triumph in 1988.
Related News
Women - 27.08.2026
DFB Pokal: Sunday date confirmed for Women’s tie against Viktoria Berlin
The fixture details for the Bayer 04 Women’s first match in the 2026/27 DFB Pokal has been confirmed: As announced by the German Football Association (DFB) on Thursday morning, the Leverkusen Women will face second-tier side FC Viktoria Berlin in the first round on Sunday 27 September at 14:00 CEST.
Show more
Fans - 26.08.2026
“Rudi invites”: Fascinating insights ‘from being founded to rise to the top’
Once again, well over 100 Werkself fans were delighted to receive an invitation from the club’s record appearance-maker, Rüdiger Vollborn, to the sold-out Schwadbud at the BayArena. This time, the supporters listened as the club historian provided fascinating, exclusive insights into the period from Bayer 04 being founded in 1904 to the club’s promotion to the Bundesliga in 1979. A journey through time is also planned for the upcoming ‘Rudi lädt ein’ event in early November – this time focusing on the years of the Nazi regime.
Show more
Bayer 04 - 26.08.2026
Carro, Rolfes and co. at the 2026 sponsors season-launch event
Getting in the mood for the new season together, exchanging ideas and looking ahead to the coming months: Bayer 04 welcomed partners to the BayArena for the annual sponsors season-launch event. In a relaxed atmosphere, the management, head coach and players came together with representatives from partner companies to celebrate the start of the 2026/27 season.
Show more
Bayer 04 - 25.08.2026
‘That’s the connection we should be fostering’: Maza visits Birkenberg soccer school
Happy children’s faces at the SSV Lützenkirchen training ground: For the 25th time, the Birkenberg soccer school – organised by SportBund Leverkusen – offered participating youngsters an exciting holiday activity. Meeting a Bayer 04 player has now become a cherished tradition. This time, Ibrahim Maza visited the 150 children and spoke to them about his World Cup experiences, amongst other things. “It’s always lovely to see the children’s enthusiasm for football,” said the 20-year-old, after bringing a sparkle to many eyes with selfies and autographs.
Show more
