At the end of 2021, versatile forward Kanga achieved promotion with the first team of the Stockholm club, as clear league leaders, to the Superettan, the second-tier in Sweden. The future Leverkusen player scored five goals in 23 league games and also provided one assist. The left footer made his debut in the third division in April of last year at the age of 15 years and three months.
"Jardell Kanga will strengthen our U19s straightaway," said Thomas Eichin, head of the Performance Centre at Bayer 04, about the Swedish talent who has attracted interest from other clubs across Europe. "He has gained a lot of experience in senior football for his age. In addition, Jardell provides a goal threat, is quick and he can play in different positions up front."
As usual, the transfer takes account of the international transfer arrangements and is subject to final approval from FIFA.
Photo: A Black and Red future: Jardell Kanga (right) with U19 head coach Sven Hübscher.
Panagiotis, known as Panos, Retsos wore the Bayer 04 jersey for three years. Including his loan spells, he was under contract with the Werkself for a total of four and a half years. "It's a very special club for me," said the 27-year-old, who returned to his boyhood club Olympiacos in 2022, in an interview with bayer04.de. The former Leverkusen man is now captain and a first choice for the Werkself's next opponents in the UEFA Champions League. Ahead of the clash on Tuesday night, 20 January (kick-off: 21:00 CET), Retsos talks about his fond memories of his time in Leverkusen and the imminent reunion with some of his former team-mates. He also talks about who brought him to Leverkusen and why he likes getting older.
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Four Bayer 04 players are in action at the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations being played in Morocco from 21 December to 18 January 2026: Eliesse Ben Seghir for the hosts, Edmond Tapsoba with Burkina Faso, Ibrahim Maza for Algeria and Christian Kofane with Cameroon. Updates on the AFCON matches involving Werkself players...
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen will have to manage without goalkeeper Mark Flekken and forward Nathan Tella for the time being.
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After a week in the Algarve, the Bayer 04 Women returned home on Saturday afternoon. The Werkself had six training sessions, two friendlies and a lot of time together as a team. Roberto Pätzold's team will be back in action in the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga next Friday for the start of matchday 15.
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"We didn’t make the right decision at the right moments," said captain Robert Andrich after the 1-0 defeat away to TSG Hoffenheim, where Bayer 04 endeavoured to control the game but failed to score. The Werkself also had two enforced substitutions due to injuries. Nevertheless, the coach, captain and debutant Janis Blaswich are positive about the coming weeks. The Werkself review.
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