
Holiday periods in Leverkusen are always time for the Bayer 04 soccer school. And for the 100 participants at the holiday camp there was a highlight on Wednesday: the traditional visit from a Bayer 04 first team player. This time it was the turn of Joel Pohjanpalo to spend an hour at the media centre at the BayArena to answer all the questions posed by the youngsters.
Above all else the main question concerned the fitness of the Finn after his fractured metatarsal. "I'm doing pretty well so far," said Pohjanpalo before adding: "I hope to be back in December." Following the Q and A session the 22-year-old was busy signing autographs and posing for selfies with the kids.
Meeting a Werkself pro was again the highlight of the Bayer 04 soccer school. The rest of the content of the week was also well worthwhile and provided some exciting days for the participants. The itinerary included professional training and a whole host of insights behind the scenes at Bundesliga club. The youngsters were looked after by train coaches and food and equipment were also provided.


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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