“Verena has had to overcome many hurdles in the past few years, especially due to her two cruciate ligament injuries. She stuck at it tirelessly and fought her way back into the team again and again,” said Achim Feifel, Bayer 04 Women sporting director. “In the end, however, she didn't get the playing time we had hoped for. By moving to Bremen, she is taking on a new challenge in a new environment. We wish her all the best for the future.”
Wieder moved to Leverkusen from Freiburg in 2020, playing 42 competitive matches and scoring 15 goals. The 23-year-old has twice battled back from cruciate ligament injuries. So far this season, the former Germany youth international has made 11 league appearances and scored two goals. She also scored on her only appearance in the DFB Cup, in the 2-1 quarter-final loss to Essen.
“I've had four incredibly intense years here. As a team, we made the leap from relegation candidates to an established mid-table team with ambitions for the top. I'm very proud that we've achieved this together,” said Wieder. “For me personally, it was also an incredibly difficult time when it wasn't clear at times whether I would be able to return to the pitch at all after my serious injury. I would therefore like to thank the medical department for making this possible. Now I believe it's time for a fresh start. I just want to start over again.”
A new look and new kit supplier for the 2025/26 campaign: Bayer 04 in tandem with sports equipment manufacturer New Balance present the official kit for the Leverkusen eSports players the coming season. New partner Sinology appears on the top right of the jersey. Menswear outfitters Lerros is still the main eSports sponsor and Niedax remains the sleeve partner. The jersey is available now from the Bayer 04 online shop and the Fanwelt.
Show moreBosnia U19 international Kerim Alajbegovic is moving from Bayer 04 Leverkusen's youth set-up to Red Bull Salzburg. The talented attacking midfielder has signed a long-term contract with the Austrian club. At the same time, the works club secured a buy-back option for the 17-year-old, who was one of the mainstays of the Leverkusen U19s.
Show morePreparations for the 2025/26 season at Bayer 04 start next Monday, 7 July, with the first team and youth players training together. Without the international players who were involved with their national teams at the end of last season, new head coach Erik ten Hag will welcome a group of senior and youth players to the first open training session one week ahead of the departure to the training camp in Rio de Janeiro. After the official welcome in the dressing room, the Werkself players will start the session in the shadow of the BayArena on 7 July at 14:00 CEST.
Show moreThe Werkself are away to Premier League club Chelsea in the final pre-season friendly. The game against the current holders of the UEFA Conference League is on Friday, 8 August at Stamford Bridge with the kick-off at 20:00 CEST. Read on for information on ticket sales.
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