It is exactly five weeks since the Werkself players not called up to their national teams started a well-deserved summer break after the #Bayer04MexicoTour. Today (Saturday) saw Robert Andrich, Kerem Demirbay and Co. return to the BayArena for the annual performance tests. Today's medical checks will be followed on Sunday by the physical part of the testing.
Whether it's in the dressing room, the Mixed Zone or in the Werkstatt: The Werkself players were beaming when they met up with teammates after a break of more than a month. And head coach Gerardo Seoane, plus his assistant coaches Patrick Schnarwiler and Alberto Encinas on site at the BayArena, chatted with the players to gain their first impressions after the summer break.
The kit worn by Karim Bellarabi and Co. is different from last season as the Black and Red shirts bear the name of the new kit supplier Castore.
The Werkself players taking part in the medical section of the performance tests on Saturday included returning loanees Nadiem Amiri (CFC Genoa), Mitchell Weiser (Werder Bremen) and Ayman Azhil (RKC Waalwijk). The international players, who flew out to join their national teams immediately after the #Bayer04MexicoTour, will start the pre-season at a later point in time.
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.
Show more
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.
Show more
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.
Show more
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.
Show more
