Bayer 04 sign midfielder Paulina Platner from Essen

"Paulina has established herself in the Bundesliga at Essen and developed into a regular in central midfield," said Achim Feifel, Bayer 04 Women sporting director. "She offers good attacking impetus and goal threat, reads the game well and also maintains good ball control under pressure. At the same time, she still has great potential. We are sure that she will take the next step with us."

Platner made 46 appearances in all competitions for Essen, scoring five goals, including three in 22 games in the current Bundesliga season. Prior to that, she played 64 times for Eintracht Frankfurt II in the second division until 2024. She's also gained extensive international experience in the German youth teams from U15 to U20 level. Platner became an U17 European champion in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2022 and also took part in the U19 Euro in 2023 and the U20 World Cup in 2024. She's made a total of 42 appearances across the three youth teams.

"I am very happy about the move as I am keen on a new challenge and think that this is the best place for my continued development," explained Platner. "I like Bayer 04's playing philosophy and I hope I can fit into it well with my vision and passing game, so that I can contribute to maximum success next season."