
"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."



The German Football Association (DFB) has officially recognised Bayer 04 as a centre for the development of female talent for the 2026/27 season. The club was awarded that role on 1 January 2026, and this status has now been renewed.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have sold young defender Andrea Natali to AZ Alkmaar on permanent terms. The 18-year-old Italian was on loan at the Dutch club last season, where he mainly played for the reserve team in the second division.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have loaned new signing Luca Erlein to newly promoted FC Energie Cottbus for the 2026/27 season. This will give him the opportunity to play in Bundesliga 2. The club signed the 19-year-old right-back on a permanent basis last week, on a contract to 30 June 2030.
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Werkself TV shows the highlights of the 3-1 victory in the friendly match at Kickers Offenbach...
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It’s always nice having your best friends round for a birthday! Bayer 04 made a guest appearance at Stadion am Bieberer Berg as part of Offenbacher Kickers’ 125th anniversary celebrations, and nearly 1,500 Werkself supporters accepted the invitation to this historic venue, joining the Offenbach crowd in celebrating the more than 45-year friendship between the clubs. On the pitch, the Werkself secured a 3–1 victory in the friendly against the fourth-tier Regionalliga side. The Leverkusen goals were scored by Christian Kofane (38’), Jonas Hofmann (48’) and Afonso Moreira (81’). Keanu Staude had put the hosts ahead in the first half (11’).
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