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.
Standing on the pitch where the Werkself players perform - for many Bayer 04 club members, this wish became reality at this year's Members' kickabout. Around 400 active participants of all ages took the opportunity to experience the BayArena from a new and special perspective. And there was also plenty going on in the stands: The event attracted more than 1,000 visitors in total and provided an atmospheric end to the season.
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Lying third in the Bundesliga, the Werkself made a faltering start in 2026 after the winter break, but gradually rediscovered winning ways and, as in the previous campaign, were among the top 16 in Europe and the top four in the DFB Pokal. In the Bundesliga, the Werkself also remained in the race for Champions League qualification right to the end. However, because setbacks repeatedly crept into the Werkself's performances between good displays and crucial games, it was not quite enough to secure a UCL spot in the end. A season with many ups and downs brought sixth place and qualification for the UEFA Europa League. Part II of the review of the 2025/26 season.
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Rogier Meijer is leaving Bayer 04 Leverkusen and returning to his native Netherlands: The 44-year-old will take over at Eredivisie club Sparta Rotterdam on 1 July. Meijer has been part of the Werkself coaching set-up since the start of the 2025/26 season - first as assistant coach to Erik ten Hag, then on Kasper Hjulmand's staff.
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Following the final match of the 2025/26 season, the prevailing feeling was naturally one of disappointment after missing out on qualification for the Champions League. The Werkself finished the Bundesliga in sixth place, meaning they'll start the 2026/27 campaign in the Europa League. "But to talk negatively about everything now because of that would be wrong," stressed captain Robert Andrich following the final game, knowing that the past year at Bayer 04 was marked, more than almost any other, by the start of a new era and the courage to change – and in particular, the belief in a positive direction. Everyone was aware this process would need time. The first part of the 2025/26 season review.
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