In the fourth part of our series ‘30 years of reunification’, Falko Götz explains in an interview (in German) with Bayer 04 TV his flight, his years in the West at Bayer 04 Leverkusen and his pioneer role for other football players from East Germany…
Here you can access the other parts of the series:
Part 1: 30 years of reunification – A lucky break for Bayer 04
Part 2: ‘Scholle’s’ game for the history books
Part 3: Reiner Calmund: “I had tears in my eyes”

The German Football Association (DFB) has officially recognised Bayer 04 as a centre for the development of female talent for the 2026/27 season. The club was awarded that role on 1 January 2026, and this status has now been renewed.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have sold young defender Andrea Natali to AZ Alkmaar on permanent terms. The 18-year-old Italian was on loan at the Dutch club last season, where he mainly played for the reserve team in the second division.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have loaned new signing Luca Erlein to newly promoted FC Energie Cottbus for the 2026/27 season. This will give him the opportunity to play in Bundesliga 2. The club signed the 19-year-old right-back on a permanent basis last week, on a contract to 30 June 2030.
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Trophies as a youth, appearances in the pro game and his first taste of international competition: new arrival Luca Erlein, who has been signed from TSG Hoffenheim, can already look back on some remarkable achievements and moments in his fledgling career. We take a closer look at the 19-year-old right-back, who can also fill other roles across the defensive line.
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