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."
Bayer 04 will have to manage without defender Guéla Doué for the time being. The Ivory Coast international sustained a muscle injury to his right calf during the final Werkself training session yesterday ahead of the Europa League clash with Slovenian champions NK Celje.
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For the first time since reaching the final against AS Roma (2–2, first leg 2–0) in May 2024, Bayer 04 are playing another home match in the UEFA Europa League – and they will be wearing their new European kit. On Wednesday 16 September (kick-off: 21:00 CEST), the BayArena will welcome Slovenian champions NK Celje, who appointed a new coach this week following a mixed start to the season. Under the slogan “40 Years Across Europe. Still Creating History.”, the Black and Reds now aim to add the next chapter to their European history, which has seen so much success in recent years. Bayer 04 fans can follow the match on free-to-air TV on RTL, as well as on Sky and Werkself Radio. The matchday news.
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European football returns to the BayArena: Bayer 04 host Slovenian champions NK Celje on matchday 1 in the group stage of the 2026/27 UEFA Europa League. Ahead of the match on Wednesday 16 September (kick-off: 21:00 CEST), head coach Carles Martínez and midfielder Aleix Garcia spoke at the pre-match press conference. The focus was primarily on the great anticipation surrounding the competition and the clear objectives for it – and, given the circumstances, on a last-minute change to the opposition line-up.
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The champions of Slovenia NK Celje are in a European competition for the fourth time in their history. This Wednesday, 16 September (kick-off: 21:00 CEST), the side lead by head coach Vitor Campelos visit the BayArena for matchday 1 in the group stage in the UEFA Europa League. Celje’s last match at the weekend did not go to plan. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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Construction work continues on the ‘Haus der Talente’ on Kurtekottenweg in Leverkusen, where 36 young elite athletes will find a new home from next summer. The building team from Temmink Bau, led by Thomas Wellers, are hard at work. Over the past few days, excavators, wheeled loaders and rollers have removed 2,500 cubic metres of soil to excavate the basement.
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