“Kai has played for us for ten years including four seasons in the first team. During that time, he’s become an international player and has already made brilliant achievements despite his youth,” declared sporting managing director Rudi Völler. He believes the 21-year-old is “already world class and definitely one of the best players ever to play for Bayer 04. In the next few years, Kai will prove what a great player he is in the extremely demanding English league.”
For sporting director Simon Rolfes, Havertz‘ departure is “obviously a loss in footballing terms. Kai is a wonderful player who deserves his future both in the Premier League and with Germany,” said Rolfes. “He will definitely make it at the highest level in England and provide an impressive example of how young players can develop at Bayer 04 – promoted and shaped in a team with great opportunities and ambition.”
Havertz leaves Leverkusen, where he progressed from the Kurtekotten Academy into an exceptional player the target of nearly all the top European clubs, with thoroughly divided feelings: “I’ve been here so long with so many people – with coaches, teammates, staff and fans – and experienced wonderful things. You don’t just forget that by changing clubs,” said the attacking midfielder. “I’d like to thank everybody at Leverkusen, who have helped and supported me over the ten years, from the bottom of my heart. I grew up here and became an adult here – as a player and also as a person,” said Havertz. “But the time has come for a new start. And I’m looking forward it.”
A group of journalists representing Latin American and Spanish-language media outlets visited the BayArena on Thursday for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Bayer 04 and interviews with key personnel that have driven the team’s brand to new heights internationally over the last few years.
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The start of the new season of the VBL Club Championship by WOW produced two wins and one defeat for Leverkusen, including a victory against SC Paderborn 07, semi-finalists last season and double winners in 2023/24. The Leverkusen gamers were beaten by 1. FSV Mainz 05, runners-up in the South-East Division last year.
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Eleven days after the floodlight failure, the Bayer 04 Women rescued a point in the rescheduled Bundesliga derby at 1. FC Köln thanks to a late dream goal from Katharina Piljic. The Werkself drew 2-2 at the Franz Kremer Stadion on Thursday evening. Vanessa Fudalla (76') from the penalty spot and Piljic with a shot from the centre circle (88') gave the Black and Reds a late reprieve. Leverkusen, who are now been unbeaten against their Rhineland neighbours for almost four years, remain fourth in the table with the draw following five consecutive wins.
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The date for the Bayer 04 Women's DFB Pokal Round of 16 tie has been set. As announced by the German Football Association (DFB) on Wednesday, the Leverkusen Women will play league rivals Hamburger SV on Sunday, 16 November at 15:00 CET.
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