Bayer 04 Women: Kögel and Wieder sign

“Verena is very talented, ambitious and can play up front on both wings. We are absolutely convinced of her potential,” said Feifel about new signing Wieder. The 20-year-old came through the youth ranks at FC Bayern and went on to make 24 appearances for the first and second teams. She signed for SC Freiburg in 2018 and also played 24 games for the club from the Breisgau.

Wieder tore a cruciate in a friendly in January 2020 and is now looking to get stuck in again after recovering from injury. “First of all, I’d like to say thank you for the confidence shown in me. It’s not a matter of course to be given a chance like that after such a serious injury. I’d like to help the team on the pitch as soon as possible and I’m looking forward to taking the next step in my career,” said Wieder. The winger has played for all the Germany youth teams from the U15s.

Feifel on “dangerous in front of goal” Kögel

Kögel is joining Leverkusen from Bayern Munich. As with Wieder, the 20-year-old, who plays in central midfield, has also played for all the Germany youth teams from the U15s up. In addition, Kögel has mainly played in Bundesliga 2: Born in Neu-Ulm, she was at VfL Sindelfingen Ladies from 2016 to 2017; in 2017/18 she moved on to FC Bayern where she made three appearances for the first team and 57 for the reserves.

“I’m really looking forward to the new challenge and being able to take the next steps in the Bundesliga. The positive talks and professional conditions impressed me from the start. I can hardly wait to join the girls on the pitch,” said Kögel. Her future coach Feifel explained: “Kristin is dangerous in front of goal from central and attacking midfield. She will liven up our attacking game with her creativity.”