
"Over the course of his six years at Leverkusen, Wendell has become a key member of our squad," said sporting director Simon Rolfes in explaining the new deal with the 26-year-old. "As a full-back, he plays a significant role on the pitch and, beyond that, he very much identifies with the team and the whole club," added Rolfes. Wendell is very important to us as a player and also as a role model."
Sporting managing director Rudi Völler added his contribution to the deal: "Bayer 04 are a special club for Wendell. In the past, he's had a number of interesting offers but has always remained loyal to us. We're happy we can continue to rely on him."
For Wendell, the contract extension is "a fantastic business. Six years at the same club are not a given for a football player. I like to remember my conversations with Zé Roberto who recommended Bayer 04 to me before my move to Germany. He said it's a club where I can be happy. He didn't promise too much," Wendell vouched. "I have always felt at home here, every single day. This club has become my family. And I'm sure we can achieve great things with our brilliant team."



In mid-August, the Werkself will set off on a four-day trip to England to play their final two friendly matches of the 2026/27 pre-season against Premier League clubs Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United. The match in Nottingham against the Tricky Trees is on Wednesday 12 August at 20:45 CEST (19:45 BST) at the City Ground. The game against the Magpies in Newcastle is on Saturday 15 August at 16:00 CEST (15:00 BST) at the atmospheric St James’ Park. Details on ticket sales for both matches.
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Black and Red talent development at the highest level – even off the pitch: Apprentices Jule Suermann, Leandra Bellia and Julia Niederheide have successfully completed their two- or three-year apprenticeships at the club. Bayer 04 honoured the trio at the BayArena on Tuesday.
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Following the summer break, most of the players are back in Leverkusen. While two Bayer 04 first-team players are still in action at the World Cup, the players present officially kicked off the new season with fitness assessments. At the Werkstatt, the Bayer 04 rehabilitation and training centre, Robert Andrich, Edmond Tapsoba and the rest of the squad worked up quite a sweat in the sweltering summer heat. New signings Afonso Moreira and Kennet Eichhorn also successfully completed the day’s sessions alongside their new team-mates.
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The Werkself return tomorrow, Tuesday 14 July (from 11:00 CEST at the BayArena; live stream on bayer04.de, the Bayer 04 app and YouTube), with new head coach Carles Martínez leading his first training session as part of the Bayer 04 set-up. His coaching team comprises a mix of new and long-standing colleagues.
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The FIFA World Cup 2026 in the USA, Canada and Mexico is underway. A total of eight Leverkusen players are taking part in the 23rd World Cup, with 48 teams in the tournament for the first time. Bayer04.de brings you all the latest from Werkself players at the World Cup.
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