Isabel Kerschowski is coming full circle: The Berliner joined Bayer 04 from Turbine Potsdam in 2012. That was followed by a spell at VfL Wolfsburg (2014-18) and finally a return to the Werkself. The defender is now heading home to Potsdam. The move is not easy for the 33-year-old, “at the end of the day it was a decision of the heart. I can get back to my wife and family and end my playing days where it all started,” Kerschowski said in explaining her decision. “I’ll leave with a smile on my face and a tear in my eye. I’ve always really felt at home here. It’s a great team and I’ve been able to help the side achieve our targets with my experience.”
After returning three years ago, the seven-time champion of Germany, five-time cup winner and Champions League winner and Olympic Gold winner in 2016 took up a leading role in the team and wore the captain’s armband. Then came a bitter blow after three games: The 21-cap Germany international suffered a torn cruciate and was out of action for a year. She fought her way back through great strength of will – ‘Isy’ was back to her best this season and did not miss a single match. She has made a total of 73 appearances for Leverkusen to date.
“We can fully understand Isy’s wish to return home to her family. When she returned in 2018, she wanted to help the team establish themselves again after promotion to the Bundesliga. Even though her plan was disrupted by the serious injury, it work out looking back and we’re very grateful about that,” said Linda Schöttler, women’s team general manager at Bayer 04. “We will definitely miss her experience and her personality.”
Henrietta Csiszár is also leaving the club at the end of her contract after five years in a black and red shirt. The Hungary international was one of leaders in the Bayer 04 team in her first season. At times, she did lead the team onto the pitch as vice-captain. After relegation to the second division in 2017/18, Csiszár remained loyal to the club and went on to play a key role in getting promoted to the top-flight again. The experienced 27-year-old, with 109 appearances for the Werkself, wants to take the next step in her carrier and is considering a move abroad.
“I’d like to thank the club and the team for five unforgettable years. It was a tough decision for me as I’ve experienced loads of great moments here – such as going straight back up, staying up two years ago and the matches as captain. It was a great honour for me. I wish the team all the best and lots of success in the future,” said Csiszár.
“Heni developed incredibly here with us. She played a crucial role – both on and off the pitch in the overall development of our team. After five years at Bayer 04 we can understand her desire to take on a new challenge. We’ll be sad to see her go and we wish her all the best,” said Schöttler.
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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One ticket, two matches – and a varied programme of events, including appearances by players from the professional teams: Bayer 04 has come up with something very special for the 2026 season launch on Saturday, 8 August. From morning right through to the evening, Werkself fans can use just one ticket to not only enjoy top-class football from the Bayer 04 teams live, but also to experience unforgettable moments with the whole family through a variety of hands-on activities around the BayArena and the Ulrich Haberland Stadium. The day will also end on a real high note: after both matches, Bayer 04 supporters will have the opportunity to interact directly with the players during joint activities and get to know them from a different angle.
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Issa Traoré is moving from Bayer 04 Leverkusen to Slovakian top-flight side AS Trencin. The club has loaned the centre-back out for one year to this year’s ninth-placed team in the Slovakian league.
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