"We would like to thank Rogier Meijer for his commitment over the past year. He was an important part of our coaching staff and carried out his duties with great professionalism, loyalty and commitment at all times," said Managing Director Sport Simon Rolfes. "It is absolutely understandable he now wants to take the opportunity to work as a head coach in the top flight of his home country again. We wish him all the best for this new challenge."
Meijer joined Leverkusen in July 2025 after five years as head coach of Dutch top-flight club NEC Nijmegen. Following the departure of Erik ten Hag, the Dutchman initially took charge of training operations on an interim basis and was subsequently a member of the Werkself coaching staff under Kasper Hjulmand. In the UEFA Champions League home game against Newcastle United, Meijer also deputised on the touchline for head coach Hjulmand, who was unable to attend for personal reasons.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended the contract with U19 goalkeeper Simeon Rapsch. The Germany youth international goalkeeper has signed a long-term contract with the Werkself running to 30 June 2029. The 18-year-old joined Leverkusen from FC Viktoria Köln in the summer of 2024.
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Ken Izekor is leaving Bayer 04 Leverkusen to join third-tier side Alemannia Aachen with immediate effect. The 19-year-old centre-forward joined the club from Alemannia in 2018, and Izekor is now returning to his hometown.
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The Golden Boy Top 100 traditionally lists Europe’s most promising young players. In the latest update, published to mark the start of the new season, four current Werkself players – alongside loanee Francis Onyeka – feature on the list. This means Bayer 04 have the most players in contention of any Bundesliga club.
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Bayer 04 have named Jorginho, a 1994 World Cup winner with Brazil, an official club legend. He is the second former Werkself player, after Paulo Sergio, to be accorded this special honour. For many years, the former Leverkusen defender has been deeply committed to helping people in need in his home city of Rio de Janeiro. More than 25 years ago, Jorginho launched the Bola pra Frente project, through which he uses the money he earned as a player – including during his time at Bayer 04 – to support children and young people in the favelas in particular. During a trip to Brazil lasting several days, Fernando Carro, CEO at Bayer 04, assured Jorginho of the club’s support for Bola pra Frente for at least another five years.
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Goalkeeper Rafaela Borggräfe will continue to play for Bayer 04 Leverkusen next season. The loan of the Germany U23 international, who joined from Liverpool in the winter, has been extended by a further year.
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