"When Kristin came to us, it was soon clear to see that she had clear ambitions and great focus, willingness and winning mentality," said Achim Feifel, Bayer 04 Women sporting director. "With that mindset she's managed to continually develop into a key player and leader on and off the pitch. As a result, she's been one of our most influential players of recent years. Over the last few months, we've had an open and honest dialogue about her future plans, and the idea of looking for a new challenge abroad has always been part of her thoughts. We thank her very much for her great service and wish her only the best in her sporting and personal life."
Since her move from FC Bayern Munich in 2022, the former German U23 international has made a total of 140 appearances in all competitions for Bayer 04, scoring 27 goals as well as 18 assists. In her role as vice-captain, Kögel has led the team out on several occasions. She has netted at least four goals in every season since 2022/23, and is on the same number of goals in the current campaign after 24 Bundesliga appearances so far.
"My time here at Bayer 04 has been incredibly formative and wonderful for me," reflected Kögel. "Six years full of great people and unforgettable moments, which I will carry with me forever. I'm wholly grateful to the club, my team and the fans for the trust and the support that I've felt in all the years. I've been able to develop into a leading play here and have always tried to take on responsibility, drive things forward and give everything for the club every day. I will always stay connected to Bayer 04. Now I feel ready to take on a new challenge abroad."
Werkself player Montrell Culbreath and Bayer 04 loanee Francis Onyeka are part of Germany's final squad for the U19 European Championships this summer. The tournament is in Wales from 24 June to 12 July.
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Bayer 04 are away to third-division club SV Wehen Wiesbaden in the first round of the 2026/27 DFB Pokal. That was the outcome of the draw on Saturday night, 6 June, at the German Football Museum in Dortmund. The Werkself first round tie will be played between 21 and 24 August. The exact date has yet to be finalised.
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Carles Martìnez is raring to go. The 42-year-old speaks in his first interview in Leverkusen about the club's development to date and how he wants to build on it. He describes his previous work in France, Kuwait, Qatar and his native Barcelona, his experience in developing young players, and the key steps between now and the start of pre-season training.
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New Bayer 04 head coach Carles Martínez has arrived in Leverkusen! At midday on Friday, the 42-year-old spoke in a press conference at the BayArena about his philosophy and his aims. Managing director sport Simon Rolfes also discussed the reasons for appointing the former Toulouse boss.
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