
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.


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.
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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.
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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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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.
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