
"Katharina has continued to develop during her time with us and has matured into an absolute top performer. A player of her calibre naturally attracts the interest of other clubs," says Achim Feifel, Sporting Director of Bayer 04 Women: "Of course, we would have liked to keep her at the club over the long term, but she has now decided to take a different path. We wish her all the best for the future."
Born in Essen, Piljic moved from the youth section at SGS Essen to Bayer 04 in the summer of 2024. She quickly established herself as a regular starter in central midfield and has scored five goals in 44 competitive matches to date. She has played eleven games for the Germany U23 team (one goal) and was recently called up to the senior team for the first time.
"I’ve had a very good time at Leverkusen and I look back on it with great gratitude and many positive memories," says Piljic: "I was able to develop my footballing skills here and take important next steps in my career. I particularly appreciate the trust that both the team and the coaching staff have always placed in me. I always felt very comfortable, I will miss the girls in particular and will give my all for the team right to the end."

Bayer 04 have transferred U19 midfielder Emmanuel Chigozie Owen to FC Utrecht in the Eredivisie.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended youngster Montrell Culbreath's contract once again. Having only signed a deal with the Bundesliga club until 30 June 2030 in January, still as an U19 player, the attacking midfielder, who's since established himself in the first-team squad, has penned a new contract valid until 30 June 2031. Culbreath joined the Werkself academy in 2023 and made 16 first-team appearances in the 2025/26 season in the Bundesliga, DFB Pokal and Champions League, scoring one goal.
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Ecuador international Piero Hincapie, who moved to Arsenal FC on loan from Bayer 04 Leverkusen for the 2025/26 season, will join the English champions permanently on 1 July 2026.
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The date and kick-off time for Bayer 04’s match in the first round of the 2026/27 DFB Pokal have been confirmed. The Werkself face SV Wehen Wiesbaden on Saturday afternoon, 22 August, at 13:00 CEST. The German Football Association (DFB) announced this today, Wednesday. The Pokal tie against the Hessen state cup winners will be played at the BRITA Arena. Ticket information to follow at a later date.
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