…the playing staff: Following the departure of Kai (Havertz, ed.) and Kevin (Volland, ed.) signing Patrik (Schick, ed.) was an important transfer deal for us. He’s a versatile player who can play up front on his own – and with a partner – as well as in the hole. He fits in really well with the way we play. On top of that, we have lots of other players in our squad who are versatile in attacking positions.
…expectations of the team: And I wouldn’t just focus on new players but also on those who are here. Perhaps the changed structure gives many of them a chance to grow into a role. We expect one or the other who are already here to take the next step in their development this season – and I think they can do it.
…other potential new signings: Of course, we’ll see how far we can strengthen the squad. I’m not ruling anything out. But we’re not specifically looking at a position or a particular player. We won’t go mad but instead always act sensibly.
…possible departures: You can’t rule anything out in football. Rumours are normal in a transfer window and always a sign that are players attractive and have a value. At the end of a day, we are a club that has to sell players if we get the right offers.
…Jonathan Tah: He’s a player with the potential to keep improving. I believe he is capable of using the qualities he has, be that his presence in challenges or his pace. That will give our game even more quality.
…the return of fans: There’s huge relief we can finally play in front of spectators again. They provide that special atmosphere in stadiums. I think all the clubs are very well prepared. It’s right to begin with a certain number (20 per cent of the capacity, ed.) to be able to improve processes. It’s a step towards normality.
…the Bundesliga opener: The start of the season is not easy without a proper pre-season. Despite that, a team can grow together. In addition, we don’t have any new signings other than Lennart Grill and Patrik Schick up to now. To that extent, all the players know each other and have taken in the way we play. I expect the players to quickly form a team – and take on the difficult circumstances as a challenge. Then I’ll be optimistic that we can make a good start to the season.
The European jersey has been launched, the UEL opponents have been drawn – and anticipation for the European campaign is running high. To mark the occasion, an autograph session was held on Friday afternoon, 28 August, at the Fanwelt with current Werkself player Montrell Culbreath and official club legend Paulo Sergio.
Show more
After six and a half years, Exequiel Palacios is leaving the Bundesliga and moving from Bayer 04 to the Premier League. The Argentine, who as a Werkself player won the World Cup with his national team four years ago and finished as runners-up at this summer’s tournament, will play for newly promoted English side Ipswich Town with immediate effect. The 27-year-old, whose contract in Leverkusen was due to run until 30 June 2030, joined Bayer 04 in January 2020 as a promising young talent. He steadily developed into one of the best defensive midfielders in the German top flight.
Show more
When Exequiel Palacios moved from the Argentinian club River Plate to Bayer Leverkusen on 1 January 2020, the then 21-year-old could not have imagined just how successful the next six and a half years would be for him. Pala, as he is known, had already won the Copa Libertadores – the most prestigious competition in South American club football – with River Plate. But there were still so many more trophies to come.
Show more
To mark Exequiel Palacios’s departure, we’ve put together a compilation of the midfielder’s finest and most important goals from his six-and-a-half years at the club.
Show more
