"Mitchel Bakker is a technically gifted and dynamic player on the wing whose profile fits in perfectly with Bayer 04," explained sporting director Simon Rolfes. "He is still young and capable of developing but he has already gained experience at the highest level at a top European club. Mitchel was an important player for PSG, particularly under coach Thomas Tuchel, and he will increase the quality of our squad. We are certain he is on the verge of a successful future."
Sporting managing director Rudi Völler emphasised the versatility of the 21-year-old Dutchman who joined the top French club from the Ajax academy two years ago. "Mitchel Bakker combines athletic qualities such as pace and strength in challenges with footballing ability. He is a modern full-back with a strong desire to get forwards and he will help our team," said Völler.
For Bakker, who made 40 appearances for PSG last season in Lique 1, the French cup and the Champions League, the move to Leverkusen means an "opportunity to take the next step at an attractive club. The overall package from Leverkusen convinced me. The sporting management did a lot to get me and the conversations were very productive. The club is ambitious and so am I. That goes together."
Werkself-TV shows the highlights of the Bayer 04 women's 1-1 draw against 1. FC Köln on the 19th matchday of the Google Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga 2024/25...
Show moreWhere were you on 14 April 2024? – That question will probably be asked a lot in Leverkusen today. And can there be anybody in this city who doesn't have an answer to hand? Hard to imagine. That Sunday exactly a year ago was too special. Too big. Too stirring. Too incredible. Everybody will have their own personal memory of that historic day. As everybody was there somehow. Even those who were unfortunately unable to get a ticket for the game of games against Werder Bremen.
Show moreA year as champions of Germany! To mark this momentous achievement, the Champions Week starts today Monday, 14 April, through to Saturday, 19 April, at the Bayer 04 online shop and the Bayer 04 Fanwelt. Black and Red fans can look forward to lots of new articles celebrating winning the title as well as big discounts.
Show moreWith four games to play to the end of the season, the Bayer 04 Women still have a chance of Champions League qualification. To keep that opportunity intact, a derby win in the top match against FC Köln on Monday night, 14 April (18:00 CEST, live on SPORT1, MagentaSport and DAZN) is a must. The fact the coach will not be in the dugout does not diminish the huge ambition ahead of the clash with the neighbours.
Show moreIs it really almost three years since he said goodbye to Bayer 04? It's hard to believe. But what does goodbye mean here? Rudi Völler often takes up his usual seat at the BayArena for Werkself home games. No longer as sporting managing director but rather, of course, as a valued member of the Bayer 04 family as before. That will always be the case. Even without an official role at the club he has been closely connected to for over three decades. An eternity in football.
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