Bayer Leverkusen

Argentine international defender Facundo Medina is leaving Olympique de Marseille to join German Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen. Reports vary on the fee, ranging from €20 million to €25 million including bonuses. Medina, 26-27, a World Cup runner-up, has agreed personal terms and signed a contract until 2031. Marseille, facing financial constraints, agreed to sell after initially being reluctant. The transfer is expected to be finalized after Medina returns from post-World Cup leave.

5 reports · 2 sources · Updated Aug 8, 01:04 PM UTC

Red Bull has appointed Roger Schmidt as its new Global Head of Soccer, succeeding Jürgen Klopp, who left to coach the German national team. Schmidt, 59, will oversee the sporting direction of Red Bull’s seven clubs worldwide, including RB Leipzig, New York Red Bulls, and FC Salzburg, starting October 1. Known for his attacking pressing style and youth development, Schmidt previously coached Red Bull Salzburg, Bayer Leverkusen, Benfica, and PSV Eindhoven.

5 reports · 5 sources · Updated Jul 31, 10:57 AM UTC

19-year-old German U19 international defender Luca Erlein moved from TSG Hoffenheim to Bayer Leverkusen for €2 million. Two days later, Leverkusen loaned him to 2. Bundesliga promoted side Energie Cottbus until season end. Erlein, a versatile defender with Europa League and 3. Liga experience, aims to help Cottbus fight for survival while gaining regular playing time. The loan is seen as a major coup for the eastern club.

9 reports · 3 sources · Updated Jul 31, 03:38 AM UTC

Bayer Leverkusen’s 18-year-old Bosnian attacking midfielder Kerim Alajbegović is nearing a €40 million transfer to Chelsea, driven by new Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso, who previously coached him at Leverkusen. The deal includes €35 million fixed plus add-ons. Alajbegović, a World Cup participant, impressed on loan at RB Salzburg. Juventus has also raised its offer above €30 million, intensifying competition. The transfer is expected to be finalized this weekend.

13 reports · 4 sources · Updated Jul 30, 10:30 AM UTC

Sevilla FC's youth academy player Juanlu Sánchez was the main novelty in the last training session before the team heads to the Netherlands for preseason. Juanlu had been recovering from a fibrillar injury in his left quadriceps sustained at the start of preseason. With his return, only Alfon remains in the infirmary due to a significant muscle tear. Coach García Plaza will also be able to count on Swiss World Cup players Djibril Sow and Rubén Vargas, who will join the squad directly after vacations. Meanwhile, Chidera Ejuke continues seeking an exit but is not sidelined, and Rafa Mir has received authorization for a passport to play abroad, with his likely destination being Aris in Thessaloniki, Greece. The squad will travel today and concentrate in the Netherlands until August 7, playing three friendlies: against NEC Nijmegen on July 31, Utrecht on August 2, and Bayer Leverkusen in Germany on August 8.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 30, 09:13 AM UTC

Portuguese winger Afonso Moreira, 21, transferred from Olympique Lyon to Bayer Leverkusen for €30-34 million, becoming the club’s first Portuguese player. Known for his 36 km/h speed, he scored a brace in a 7-0 friendly win over Baumberg and added a third goal in his next match. Moreira aims for the Portuguese national team and Bundesliga success, drawing comparisons to past Leverkusen talents.

7 reports · 3 sources · Updated Jul 29, 03:11 PM UTC

According to Italian Sky Sport journalist Di Marzio, citing German Sky Sport colleagues, Juventus and Bayer Leverkusen are finalizing the transfer of player Arajbegovic after the Bundesliga team's friendly match today. The player previously rejected an offer from Chelsea and is currently awaiting travel clearance, expected to depart for Juventus tomorrow or the day after. The report was published by Hupu Soccer on July 29.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 02:41 PM UTC

Sevilla FC has signed 21-year-old left-back Julio Díaz from Atlético Madrid for approximately €1.5 million, acquiring 50% of his economic rights. Díaz, an Atlético academy product, signed a five-year contract until June 2031, with Atlético retaining a buy-back option. He made his first-team debut last season, playing four La Liga matches. Díaz is a Spanish youth international, having won the U-19 European Championship in 2024. His arrival adds to Sevilla's crowded left-back position, suggesting further squad adjustments.

8 reports · 2 sources · Updated Jul 29, 12:07 PM UTC

Sunderland head coach Régis Le Bris has definitively ended speculation over captain Granit Xhaka's future, stating Chelsea's £8 million bid for the 33-year-old midfielder has been rejected and the matter is closed. Xhaka, who joined Sunderland last summer and helped them qualify for the Europa League, has committed to staying. New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso, who coached Xhaka at Bayer Leverkusen, was keen on a reunion. Sunderland has had a quiet transfer window, signing only Thomas Meunier on a free transfer.

7 reports · 6 sources · Updated Jul 28, 08:03 AM UTC

Italian TV host Marialuisa Jacobelli, 34, has gone viral on social media after sharing stunning bikini photos to warm up for the new Serie A season. According to The Sun, Jacobelli, who bears a striking resemblance to Kim Kardashian, posted a photo of herself in a red bikini with goggles, preparing to go swimming. The post drew a flood of admiring comments from her 5 million followers. Jacobelli previously sparked a frenzy with a topless photo and has a history of posing in low-cut tops at football events, including last year before a Chelsea preseason friendly. She will host coverage of the new Serie A season for Italian sports media group SportMediaset. Jacobelli has worked as a presenter for DAZN, Italian state television, and Lombardy TV, and has also demonstrated football juggling skills on camera.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 11:37 PM UTC

Sevilla defeated Ceuta 2-1 in a behind-closed-doors preseason friendly at Estadio Jesús Navas, breaking their open-play scoring drought with goals from academy products Peque and Miguel Sierra. Ceuta equalized through Anuar after a defensive lapse, but Sierra’s 78th-minute winner secured the victory. The match highlighted Sevilla’s emerging young talents and new signings under coach Luis García Plaza, while Ceuta showed possession-based play. Sevilla will continue preseason in the Netherlands before facing Bayer Leverkusen and opening LaLiga against Rayo Vallecano.

7 reports · 2 sources · Updated Jul 27, 08:45 AM UTC

Victor Boniface, returning from knee problems that cast doubt on his career, showed significant improvement in both offense and overall play during a 3-1 victory in Offenbach. Bayer Leverkusen managing director Simon Rolfes expressed renewed optimism about the striker's future, as the performance marked a positive step forward after a period overshadowed by injury concerns.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 26, 10:23 AM UTC

Victor Boniface, a striker for Bayer Leverkusen, made a notable return in a 3-1 victory against Offenbach, demonstrating significant improvement in both offensive and defensive aspects of his game. Managing Director Simon Rolfes expressed renewed optimism for the player, whose career had been clouded by uncertainty due to persistent knee problems. The performance suggests Boniface is overcoming his injury struggles, offering hope for his future contributions to the team.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 26, 10:23 AM UTC

Sevilla FC's Swiss internationals Rubén Vargas and Djibril Sow will join the team's training camp in the Netherlands after finishing their post-World Cup vacations. Switzerland was eliminated in the quarterfinals by Argentina. Vargas, whose market value has risen to €15 million after a strong World Cup, has attracted Premier League interest and Sevilla hopes to earn around €20 million for him. Sow, valued at €7.5 million, has also drawn inquiries but no formal offers have been made. The squad will train in the Netherlands from July 30 to August 7, playing friendlies against NEC Nijmegen, Utrecht, and Bayer Leverkusen. Sevilla's preseason continues with a friendly against Ceuta tonight.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 26, 07:11 AM UTC

Sevilla FC players Rubén Vargas and Djibril Sow are set to join the team's preseason training camp in the Netherlands after their World Cup vacation ends. The Swiss internationals, who were eliminated in the quarterfinals by Argentina, will report for duty as the squad travels from July 30 to August 7. Vargas, whose market value has risen to €15 million after a strong World Cup, has attracted interest from Premier League clubs and may seek a move to play Champions League football. Sevilla hopes to earn around €20 million for the winger. Sow, valued at €7.5 million, has also drawn inquiries, though no formal offers have been made. The team plays friendlies against NEC Nijmegen, Utrecht, and Bayer Leverkusen during the camp.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 26, 07:11 AM UTC

Sevilla FC's Swiss internationals Rubén Vargas and Djibril Sow will join the team's preseason training camp in the Netherlands after finishing their post-World Cup vacations. The squad, currently playing friendlies including a match against Ceuta, will be in camp from July 30 to August 7, playing three friendlies including against Bayer Leverkusen. Vargas, whose market value has risen to €15 million after a strong World Cup performance, is a high-profile transfer target with Sevilla seeking around €20 million. Sow, valued at €7.5 million, has also attracted interest, though no formal offers have been received. Both players are key to coach Luis García Plaza's plans but could generate capital gains for the club.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 26, 07:11 AM UTC

According to an exclusive report by TA journalist John Townley, Aston Villa's set-piece coach Austin MacPhee has left the club after five years to join Chelsea. MacPhee was highly regarded for his tactical design and training, contributing to Villa scoring 29 goals from set-pieces last season. At Chelsea, he will replace Bernardo Cueva, who transitions to a behind-the-scenes technical and advisory role focusing on set-piece analysis and opponent preparation. Cueva, who joined Chelsea from Brentford in 2024 for £1 million, holds a UEFA Pro License and previously worked in Mexico and Norway. Additionally, Sebastián Parilla, an assistant from Xabi Alonso's staff at Bayer Leverkusen known for improving set-piece statistics, will join Chelsea's coaching team. The moves reflect Chelsea's strategic overhaul under new head coach Xabi Alonso.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 05:42 PM UTC

Former Bayer 04 Leverkusen striker Iker Bravo has completed a transfer from Italian club Udinese Calcio to English Championship side FC Watford. The second-division English club paid a transfer fee in the millions of euros for the forward. A significant portion of this fee will be received by Bayer Leverkusen, likely due to a sell-on clause included in the original transfer deal when Bravo left Leverkusen for Udinese. The move represents a financial windfall for the German Bundesliga club, who benefit from the player's subsequent transfer despite no longer holding his registration.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 01:55 PM UTC

Former Bayer 04 Leverkusen professional Iker Bravo has completed a transfer from Italian club Udinese Calcio to English Championship side FC Watford. The English second-division club paid a million-euro transfer fee for the striker, with a significant portion of that fee flowing back to Bayer Leverkusen due to a sell-on clause or previous contractual arrangement. The deal represents a financial windfall for Leverkusen, who had previously transferred Bravo to Udinese. The move highlights the ongoing financial benefits for clubs that include sell-on clauses in player contracts, allowing them to profit from future transfers of their former players.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 01:55 PM UTC

Borussia Mönchengladbach will play a pre-season friendly against third-division side Rot-Weiss Essen on Saturday, which includes a reunion with former Gladbach player Noah Pesch. The 21-year-old German-Croatian forward left Gladbach during the summer break after a loan spell at 1. FC Magdeburg and joined Essen. Pesch previously impressed for Gladbach's U23 team in the Regionalliga West, scoring 20 goals and providing 9 assists in 30 games, earning him the Player of the Season award. He made his only Bundesliga appearance for Gladbach in the 2024/25 season against Mainz. The article also notes that Gladbach will face another ex-player, Rocco Reitz, in their Bundesliga opener against RB Leipzig on August 29. Gladbach's sports director Rouven Schröder praised Pesch's potential and wished him success at Essen.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 10:27 AM UTC

Bayer Leverkusen is reportedly ready to sell their offensive 'joker' (super-sub) for around €25 million, with multiple English clubs interested. Among the suitors is Nottingham Forest, coached by Oliver Glasner. The player, initially signed as a hope for the right side, impressed early but spent most of recent months on the bench. Despite being planned for the new season, a surprising turn of events now sees Leverkusen open to his departure. The full details of the transfer poker are available with BILDplus.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 06:00 AM UTC

The article analyzes Chelsea's £117 million acquisition of England midfielder Morgan Rogers as a sign of a shift in transfer policy under new manager Xabi Alonso. It argues that the signing is a football-driven move, unlike previous business-oriented deals under the current ownership. Alonso's personal influence was key in attracting Rogers, who will reunite with his friend Cole Palmer. The piece highlights Rogers' strong Premier League stats (18 goals, 16 assists over two seasons) and versatility, suggesting he could play as a dual number 10 alongside Palmer in Alonso's preferred back-three system. It also mentions Chelsea's interest in John Stones and Alex Scott, and the potential sale of Enzo Fernandez. The author, Andy Dunn, views this as a return to conventional, manager-led transfer business that bodes well for a realistic title challenge.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 04:15 PM UTC

Bayer Leverkusen's 16-year-old midfield prodigy Kennet Eichhorn, signed for €9 million after beating Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool, has been hit by a severe gastrointestinal virus. In just five days, he lost five kilograms, forcing him to undergo only individual recovery training. The club's medical team is taking a cautious approach to avoid overexertion. Eichhorn is not expected to rejoin full team training until next week and will miss the friendly against Kickers Offenbach. Sporting director Simon Rolfes cited long-standing family relationships as key to the signing. Eichhorn expressed confidence in Leverkusen's ability to develop young talent.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 03:21 PM UTC

Bayer Leverkusen has confirmed their next pre-season test match, hosting Belgian first division club KRC Genk on Wednesday, July 29, at 3 PM at the Ulrich-Haberland Stadium next to the BayArena. The match is exclusively open to Bayer fans for security reasons, with tickets available only through the club's online shop. Ticket prices are moderate: 5 euros for standing tickets, 10 euros for seated tickets, and 1 euro for children. The game will also mark the first home appearance for 30-million-euro signing Afonso Moreira (21) in front of Leverkusen fans. The friendly follows a similar ticketing and pricing model to the club's upcoming match against Rot-Weiss Essen.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 02:34 PM UTC

Crystal Palace are reportedly leading the race to sign Senegalese winger Krepin Diatta on a free transfer, beating competition from Bayer Leverkusen. Diatta, 27, is a free agent after five years at Monaco, where he made 114 league appearances but scored only 6 goals. Despite his low goal tally, his dribbling and crossing abilities are considered major assets. Sport Witness reports that Palace are the frontrunners, though Leverkusen have held two meetings with the player's agent. New Palace manager Pierre Sage is keen to add Diatta to his squad. The move is seen as a smart pickup on a free transfer.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 11:00 AM UTC

Bayer Leverkusen welcomed back two former stars, Kai Havertz and Julian Brandt, for individual training at the BayArena on Tuesday. Havertz, now 27 and playing for Arsenal, returned to his boyhood club to prepare for the new season after Germany's early exit from the 2026 World Cup. Brandt, 30, is a free agent after leaving Borussia Dortmund this summer and is using Leverkusen's facilities to maintain fitness while seeking a new club, with reported interest from Spain and England. Leverkusen's official social media posted photos with the caption 'Back to the roots!' Havertz made 150 appearances for Leverkusen before his €80 million move to Chelsea in 2020, while Brandt played 215 times for the club from 2014 to 2019.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 09:15 AM UTC

Bayer Leverkusen's 16-year-old midfield prodigy Kennet Eichhorn, signed for €9 million from Hertha BSC, has been sidelined by a severe gastrointestinal infection contracted immediately after pre-season training began. The illness caused him to lose over five kilograms in five days, leaving his body too weakened for team training. He is currently undergoing low-intensity individual training with rehab coaches, including light dribbling and short sprints. Eichhorn will miss the upcoming test match against Kickers Offenbach and is expected to rejoin full team training only in the following days. The junior national player is planned as a key figure in coach Carles Martínez's double pivot in a 4-3-3 system. Last season, he made his breakthrough with 17 second-division appearances for Hertha, attracting interest from top European clubs including Liverpool, Manchester City, PSG, Bayern, and Dortmund before choosing Leverkusen.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 08:46 AM UTC

Spain won its second World Cup on July 19, 2026, prompting millions of Spaniards to celebrate in streets across the country. Unlike recent major football celebrations—such as the 2022 Champions League final in Paris or Argentina's 2022 World Cup win—the Spanish festivities were marked by a complete absence of vandalism, fights, or police interventions. Leverkusen and former Spain national team player Lucas Vázquez highlighted this peaceful conduct in an Instagram story, stating: 'Without breaking lampposts, without burning cars, without looting stores. Simply Spain.' The article, published by AS on July 22, 2026, contrasts the orderly Spanish celebration with previous incidents abroad, emphasizing the positive behavior of the fans.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 07:39 AM UTC

German media Bild reports that new Bayer Leverkusen head coach Carles Martínez has revitalized the club's training culture, drawing comparisons to the successful tenure of Xabi Alonso. The article criticizes former coach Erik ten Hag for lacking work ethic, noting that under ten Hag and Kasper Hjulmand, training grounds were empty after 2 PM, whereas Alonso's regime saw lights on until 8-9 PM. Martínez, who arrived early to set up training cones and holds individual player meetings, emphasizes 'quantity and quality' balance. He has also engaged in recruitment, convincing young talents Kenneth Eichhorn and Afonso Moreira to join. The team aims to return to the Champions League after a disappointing sixth-place finish.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 02:00 AM UTC

The Bundesliga 'Football Committee' will meet on July 27 in Frankfurt to discuss adopting FIFA rules introduced for the 2026 World Cup. Key agenda items include whether to implement automatic red cards for covering the mouth during confrontations (likely following UEFA's case-by-case approach) and VAR review of corner kicks. Several rules are confirmed for the new season: goal kicks and throw-ins must be taken within five seconds or possession changes; substituted players must leave the field within ten seconds or the team plays short; injured players receiving treatment must leave the field for at least one minute to prevent time-wasting. Mandatory cooling breaks, introduced by FIFA for the World Cup, will not be adopted; decisions on heat breaks will remain weather-dependent. The final decision on new rules rests with the Bundesliga Executive Committee led by CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 01:32 AM UTC