"Now we have created the position where players develop so successfully here that they are then able to take the next step to a top club. It was similar with Lisanne Gräwe and Elisa Senß who have both become Germany internationals," said Thomas Eichin, director of professional teams and thereby also responsible for the Women's section at Bayer 04: "Losing players like that is a pity but understandable. We have to continue working sustainably to soon be able to have further players of a similar quality to Janou."
Levels joined Bayer 04 in the summer of 2023 after five years at PSV Eindhoven. Since then the two-time Netherlands international has played 38 games and scored two goals.
"Janou is an important part of the team as a leader both on the pitch and in the dressing room," said Achim Feifel, Bayer 04 Women's team sporting director. "We are very grateful for her commitment and we wish her all the best for the future."
"I really felt at home and valued from the start at Bayer 04. It's a very special feeling that definitely isn't a given. So I'm very grateful looking back at the last two years where I've developed on and off the pitch," said Levels: "I'm particularly proud to be part of this so successful season. Now I'm ready for the next step in my career but Leverkusen will always have a place in my heart."
Bayer 04 make their first trip to Poland for over 30 years as they face Lech Poznan on Matchday 2 of the league phase in the 2026/27 UEFA Europa League. The game kicks off at 18:45 CEST on Thursday, but the team will be preparing for the action on Wednesday with training, travel and pre-match press conferences. We’ll bring you all the latest news here…
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Bayer 04 remain unbeaten in the 2026/27 UEFA Europa League. After winning the opener against NK Celje, the Werkself followed that up on Thursday night with a 4–0 win away at the Polish champions Lech Poznan. Patrik Schick, who came on as a substitute early in the game, scored twice from the penalty spot, and Malik Tillman also found the back of the net before half-time. The second half was a more subdued affair, with Ibrahim Maza scoring late on to seal the final 4-0 scoreline.
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Since 2023, Bayer 04 has been organising regular free goalkeeping coach training sessions at the BayArena. As in previous years, the event attracted enormous interest in mid-October 2026. Around 140 participants – mostly goalkeeping coaches from the region, but also team and academy coaches as well as association staff – came to the Werkself stadium to gain expert knowledge on the subject of zonal marking. Through a theoretical keynote presentation and a practical session on the pitch, the participants gained insights into goalkeeping and goalkeeper training at Bayer 04.
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A first for the Werkself: Today, Thursday 15 October (kick-off: 18:45 CEST), Bayer 04 face Lech Poznan for the first time on matchday 2 in the UEFA Europa League group. Although the Black and Reds have a flawless record against the only Polish opposition faced before, they must not underestimate the attacking ability and goal-scoring threat of the reigning champions from Poznan. Lech’s squad also includes two former Bundesliga players. Today's matchday news.
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Nathan Tella spoke to Werkself-TV ahead of Bayer 04's first Europa League away game of 2026/27 at Lech Poznan about his fond memories of the competition, his expectations of the match and his excitement about the atmosphere in Poland...
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