"In Patrik Schick, we have brought in an internationally known central striker who has very impressively and consistently demonstrated his qualities as a striker both in Serie A and in the Bundesliga," said Bayer 04 sporting managing director Rudi Völler about the signing. "Patrik's penetration and strength in finishing will be good for our attacking game. And he will have teammates alongside him who will be able to bring him and his strengths to the fore.”
Sporting director Simon Rolfes sees Schick as a "classic central striker – technically adept, strong in the air and with the ability to hold onto and win the ball," Rolfes said. "Patrik can also read the game and as a special sense for the right position in the box. With him in the team, we will be difficult to work out and to defend against."
For the Prague-born striker, who has scored nine goals in 22 internationals for the Czech Republic, Leverkusen are "very exciting club. I saw for myself in the games against Leipzig what a great team Bayer 04 have. They play an attacking game with aggression – those are things I like and that fit in with my idea of football," declared Schick. "Bayer 04 are a top club in the Bundesliga. And I'm very happy to be able to carry on in Germany and play for this club in Europe."
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have sold young defender Andrea Natali to AZ Alkmaar on permanent terms. The 18-year-old Italian was on loan at the Dutch club last season, where he mainly played for the reserve team in the second division.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have loaned new signing Luca Erlein to newly promoted FC Energie Cottbus for the 2026/27 season. This will give him the opportunity to play in Bundesliga 2. The club signed the 19-year-old right-back on a permanent basis last week, on a contract to 30 June 2030.
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Trophies as a youth, appearances in the pro game and his first taste of international competition: new arrival Luca Erlein, who has been signed from TSG Hoffenheim, can already look back on some remarkable achievements and moments in his fledgling career. We take a closer look at the 19-year-old right-back, who can also fill other roles across the defensive line.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have signed Germany U19 international Luca Erlein from Hoffenheim. The 19-year-old right-back, who is capable of playing in various defensive positions, has penned a contract until 30 June 2030.
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