"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."
The Golden Boy Top 100 traditionally lists Europe’s most promising young players. In the latest update, published to mark the start of the new season, four current Werkself players – alongside loanee Francis Onyeka – feature on the list. This means Bayer 04 have the most players in contention of any Bundesliga club.
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Goalkeeper Rafaela Borggräfe will continue to play for Bayer 04 Leverkusen next season. The loan of the Germany U23 international, who joined from Liverpool in the winter, has been extended by a further year.
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The Bayer 04 delegation, led by Fernando Carro, CEO, concluded their multi-day trip to Brazil with a visit to the community-based organisation Bola Pra Frente in Rio de Janeiro – founded by former Werkself player Jorginho. During the visit, Bayer 04 committed to extending support for the Bola Pra Frente project for a further five years. In addition, Jorginho, a member of the Brazil 1994 World Cup-winning squad, was named Bayer 04’s second official club legend. With the visit to São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, the club has strengthened the relationships built up over the years in one of Bayer 04’s most important international markets.
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Ten years after retiring as a player, Kristina Sundov is returning to the Bayer 04 Women’s team as assistant coach. The 39-year-old former Croatia international takes over from Remzi Kahraman, who has taken up a new challenge abroad. She has been given a contract to 30 June 2028.
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The training pitches at the BayArena are already buzzing with activity again, even before training officially begins next week. On Monday morning, a small group from the Werkself first-team squad completed a session lasting around an hour. Both new and familiar faces were present.
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