Simon Rolfes described the new signing as "a type of player we've looked for to strengthen our squad." According to the Bayer 04 sporting managing director, Hofmann brings a wealth of experience to Leverkusen in addition to his vision and technical ability. He's gathered that over more than ten years in professional football primarily at Borussia Dortmund and Borussia Mönchengladbach.
Born in Heidelberg, Jonas Hofmann left FC Rot to join the youth section at TSG Hoffenheim at the age of 12. He wnr on to win the Germany U19 cup competition with TSG. He moved up to the senior squad in 2011 and then on to Borussia Dortmund. His way to the first team at BVB came via the Reserves, who he won the Regional League with and gained promotion to the third division. Hofmann made his Bundesliga debut in December 2012 under Jürgen Klopp in a 3-1 win against his former club Hoffenheim. He initially carried on playing in the third division with the second team.
The 5' 9" midfielder became a settled member of the Dortmund first team squad in the following season. Hofmann made 26 Bundesliga appearances and played in eight games in the Champions League in the 2013/14 campaign. The following season he went out on loan to Mainz 05. After another six months in Dortmund, Hofmann moved on to Borussia Mönchengladbach in January 2016 – and he went on to make his debut for Germany in that time.
In his seven years on the Lower Rhine, the now 30-year-old clocked up 184 Bundesliga appearances. He scored 40 goals and provided 40 assists. Hofmann also played for the Foals in the Champions League and the Europa League.
In 2020, he impressed the then Germany coach Joachim Löw who called him up to his squad for a friendly against Turkey and he went on to make his debut in a Germany shirt. That was followed by further appearances including in the UEFA Nations League and the World Cup qualifiers. Hofmann was selected for his first big tournament the following year: He played in two of the three group matches in the World Cup finals in Qatar
A few weeks ago the midfielder played for Germany in two friendlies in preparation for next years Euros in Germany. Jonas will now focus on the challenges at his new club in the coming season: "I'm really looking forward to this next chapter."
With seven points, Mainz 05 are currently joint seventh, level on points with sixth-placed Bayer 04. In today’s head-to-head clash (kick-off: 15:30 CEST), the Werkself must be particularly wary of the clinical Mainz strike duo. For Leverkusen fans who have left it to the last minute, there are still a few tickets available from the matchday ticket office. Those following the Black and Reds from home, on the other hand, have a choice: RTL is broadcasting the match on free-to-air TV, and Werkself Radio is also offering the expert commentary of former Bayer 04 player Falko Götz. Today’s matchday news.
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Back from the international break: On Saturday 10 October (kick-off: 15:30 CEST), the Werkself are away to Mainz 05. Ahead of the clash at the MEWA ARENA against the side currently sixth in the table, head coach Carles Martínez spoke, amongst other things, about the team’s work during the extended international break. The Spaniard also commented, when asked, on a number of squad matters, including Ibrahim Maza.
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FSV Mainz 05 went into the international break on the back of an away win at Borussia Mönchengladbach. Currently sixth in the table, the Rheinhessen side – who have been impressive on the road – now aim to continue their good start to the Bundesliga campaign at home when they face the Werkself on Saturday, 10 October (kick-off: 15:30 CEST). In terms of squad selection, Urs Fischer once again has more options at his disposal. Up front, the Mainz coach is likely to continue relying on what is currently the league’s most successful strike partnership. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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Thomas Eichin has been working for Bayer 04 for six years – as Director of Professional Teams since July 2023 – and has contributed to the successful development of our club in many areas. Today, Friday 9 October, Freiburg-born Eichin is celebrating his 60th birthday. We wish him a very happy birthday.
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Together with his family, friends and close associates, Bayer 04 Leverkusen bid farewell to Peter Hermann. The club’s long-serving assistant manager passed away on 19 September following a serious illness. Today, Thursday 8 October, Bayer 04 held an event attended by around 200 invited guests to commemorate Peter Hermann’s legacy. Representatives from the DFB and the other professional clubs where Hermann worked paid their respects to him at the BayArena.
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