
"Kerim Alajbegovic has not only fulfilled the high expectations placed in him in Salzburg, he has even exceeded them in a very short space of time," said Bayer 04 Managing Director Sport Simon Rolfes. "Despite his youth, he was an absolute top performer at RB Salzburg and has also delivered top performances in Europe in the Champions League qualifiers and in the UEFA Europa League matches. We are sure Kerim can also play an important role at Bayer 04 Leverkusen in the coming years." Bayer 04 Director of Football Kim Falkenberg added: "Kerim's talent is great, as are his ambition and his will to win. We believe in him - Kerim has everything he needs to establish himself as a Werkself player in the coming years."
For the two-footed Alajbegovic, returning to the club of his youth is another step forward: "For me, it's a step up to another level. I know the club, Bayer 04 Leverkusen have the highest standards. A top 16 club in Europe that always competes at the top of the Bundesliga. Many young players have already made it here. I also have that goal," said the Cologne-born 18-year-old, who can play as a left winger or in attacking midfield.

Today sees Bayer 04 go head-to-head with their next direct rivals in the race for Champions League qualification (kick-off 15:30 CEST). Opponents Stuttgart are currently fifth in the table, level on points with the Werkself but one place below them due to a three-goal inferior goal difference. The Black and Reds' record at Bad Cannstatt tells a clearer story: they've not lost at VfB for over 16 years. One important factor in securing what would be three crucial points away from home is Leverkusen's strength on the counter-attack. Whilst Stuttgart are also extremely dangerous going forward, they will be without their captain. Today’s matchday news.
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Another showdown in the race for the Champions League places takes place in Swabia: on Saturday 9 May (kick-off 15:30 CEST), the Werkself visit VfB Stuttgart, who are only behind on goal difference. In his pre-match press conference, head coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke about confidence, excitement and mentality.
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Reinforcement in attack: Bayer 04 Leverkusen have secured the transfer of striker Maja Sternad from Bundesliga rivals SV Werder Bremen. The 22-year-old has signed a contract until 30 June 2028.
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It's a thrilling situation: as the season draws to a close, Stuttgart and Bayer 04 are heading into the home stretch almost neck and neck. After 32 games, with 17 wins, seven draws and eight defeats each, both teams are on 58 points. Even in terms of goals scored, VfB and the Werkself are level on 66. The Black and Reds have conceded just three fewer goals (43) than their rivals (46), which is why they sit one place behind fourth-placed Leverkusen. This Saturday, 9 May (kick-off: 15.30 CEST), the two teams go head to head at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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