"Patrik Schick has had a fantastic season and shown his world-class ability in his position. There are few centre-forwards of his calibre on the European stage," said sporting director Simon Rolfes on the long-term extension to the current successful partnership. "In addition to Patrik's exceptional sporting qualities as a complete striker he also has the abilities of a leader to provide stability and guidance to a team on the pitch. The contract extension with a player of his quality underlines the ambition we all have under the Bayer Cross."
Rudi Völler was very committed to the signing of the 6 foot 3 striker two years ago when he was at Völler’s former club AS Roma after a loan deal at RB Leipzig. And the current contract extension with the top goalscorer in last year's European Championships has seen the departing sporting managing director provide full support for Rolfes. "Agreeing a new deal with a player like that is an expression of our ambition and a clear sign that Bayer 04 Leverkusen want to remain at the top level after my departure. That's exactly what I promised at the stadium on the final Bundesliga matchday," said Völler who hands over to Rolfes on 1 July. "For me, Patrik Schick is one of the best centre-forwards in the world at the moment. He knows he has great teammates here who set him up from all angles and enable him to express his strengths," said Völler. “I'm looking forward to seeing him in a Werkself shirt in the coming years."
The Prague-born striker Schick, who has scored 17 goals for the Czech Republic in 33 internationals, has settled down in Leverkusen over the past two years. "I feel really good here," said the 26-year-old, "our team is a promise for the future above all. It's huge fun being with these lads and we are really determined to achieve something. Qualification for the Champions League is a good next step. There are lots of possibilities here so that's why I've extended my deal at Bayer 04."
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.
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Goalkeeper Rafaela Borggräfe will continue to play for Bayer 04 Leverkusen next season. The loan of the Germany U23 international, who joined from Liverpool in the winter, has been extended by a further year.
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The Bayer 04 delegation, led by Fernando Carro, CEO, concluded their multi-day trip to Brazil with a visit to the community-based organisation Bola Pra Frente in Rio de Janeiro – founded by former Werkself player Jorginho. During the visit, Bayer 04 committed to extending support for the Bola Pra Frente project for a further five years. In addition, Jorginho, a member of the Brazil 1994 World Cup-winning squad, was named Bayer 04’s second official club legend. With the visit to São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, the club has strengthened the relationships built up over the years in one of Bayer 04’s most important international markets.
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Ten years after retiring as a player, Kristina Sundov is returning to the Bayer 04 Women’s team as assistant coach. The 39-year-old former Croatia international takes over from Remzi Kahraman, who has taken up a new challenge abroad. She has been given a contract to 30 June 2028.
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The training pitches at the BayArena are already buzzing with activity again, even before training officially begins next week. On Monday morning, a small group from the Werkself first-team squad completed a session lasting around an hour. Both new and familiar faces were present.
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