"Tim Steidten has consistently proved himself in an extremely demanding field over a long period of time," declared Bayer 04 sporting director Simon Rolfes. "He has had a strong influence on the impressive development and success of Werder in recent years and he made a significant contribution. I've known Tim for a long time and we are happy we have been able to bring him into such an important role as squad planner," said Rolfes.
Steidten started his career as youth head scout with the Werder Bremen U8s before working on analysis for the Werder senior squad and then being promoted to the role as head scout. When the sporting director Rouven Schröder announced he was leaving to join Mainz 05 in February 2016, Steidten filled the post. Alongside managing director Frank Baumann, Steidten acted as his right hand man. Together they completed transfers such as Serge Gnabry from Arsenal and the Dutchman Davy Klaassen from Everton to Werder Bremen.
Less than a year ago, Kerim Alajbegovic moved from the Bayer 04 U19s to Austrian top-flight club FC Red Bull Salzburg. The forward’s development since then has been impressive. In 36 matches, including in the UEFA Europa League, the 18-year-old has scored 14 goals. In the summer, Alajbegovic, now a Bosnia international, will return to Leverkusen - and thus not only achieve the next milestone still early in his career, but also enrich the Werkself squad with his footballing versatility and determination.
Show more
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended the contract with forward Nathan Tella ahead of schedule. The versatile 26-year-old, who can be deployed as a right winger, false nine or left winger, has penned a new contract to 30 June 2031. Tella joined the Werkself from Championship club Southampton in 2023. His previous contract ran to the summer of 2028.
Show more
Nathan Tella has extended his contract with Bayer 04 to 2031. In an interview with Werkself TV, the 26-year-old talks about fulfilling his dreams, his positive outlook on life and his goals for the future. He answers the questions in English - all except the last one, which he addresses directly to the fans...
Show more
In the final international break in the current 2025/26 campaign, Bayer 04 striker Patrik Schick with Czechia will be battling for a place at the World Cup. Meanwhile, national teams that have already qualified, include other Werkself players called up, are involved in friendlies in the build-up to the World Cup. Read on for an overview of the Leverkusen internationals and their match dates.
Show more
The Werkself kicked off the final international break of the current season on Monday morning with the first of three open training sessions this week. While eleven Bayer 04 players will be away on international duty in the coming days, the other players will be working together in Leverkusen. The next challenge in the Bundesliga awaits on Saturday, 4 April (kick-off: 15:30 CEST) with the home game against VfL Wolfsburg.
Show more
