"Despite her great potential, Emilie did not get the minutes hoped for on the pitch this season due to the competition for places," said Achim Feifel, sporting director of the Bayer 04 Women's team: "Therefore, she approached us with a transfer request after the offer from Hammarby, which we accepted given the early stages of her career. We thank Emilie for her commitment and wish her all the best in Sweden."
Bayer 04 signed the Norway international on permanent terms after a year on loan from FC Bayern. After 21 Bundesliga appearances last season, Bragstad only made one start in the league plus nine appearances as a substitute. There were also three matches in the DFB Pokal. The transfer window in Sweden is open until the end of the month and the season starts on 22 March.
"My time at Leverkusen was very valuable, I was part of a group of really great people," said Bragstad: "But, at this point in my career, it's also important for me to play regularly. That's why the transfer is the right decision for me. I wish Bayer 04 all the best for the rest of the season."
Today sees Bayer 04 go head-to-head with their next direct rivals in the race for Champions League qualification (kick-off 15:30 CEST). Opponents Stuttgart are currently fifth in the table, level on points with the Werkself but one place below them due to a three-goal inferior goal difference. The Black and Reds' record at Bad Cannstatt tells a clearer story: they've not lost at VfB for over 16 years. One important factor in securing what would be three crucial points away from home is Leverkusen's strength on the counter-attack. Whilst Stuttgart are also extremely dangerous going forward, they will be without their captain. Today’s matchday news.
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Another showdown in the race for the Champions League places takes place in Swabia: on Saturday 9 May (kick-off 15:30 CEST), the Werkself visit VfB Stuttgart, who are only behind on goal difference. In his pre-match press conference, head coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke about confidence, excitement and mentality.
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Reinforcement in attack: Bayer 04 Leverkusen have secured the transfer of striker Maja Sternad from Bundesliga rivals SV Werder Bremen. The 22-year-old has signed a contract until 30 June 2028.
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It's a thrilling situation: as the season draws to a close, Stuttgart and Bayer 04 are heading into the home stretch almost neck and neck. After 32 games, with 17 wins, seven draws and eight defeats each, both teams are on 58 points. Even in terms of goals scored, VfB and the Werkself are level on 66. The Black and Reds have conceded just three fewer goals (43) than their rivals (46), which is why they sit one place behind fourth-placed Leverkusen. This Saturday, 9 May (kick-off: 15.30 CEST), the two teams go head to head at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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