Xhaka has signed a contract with the Europe League participants from Leverkusen to 30 June 2028. "In Granit we have been able to bring in an absolute top player," said Simon Rolfes about the transfer coup. "His ability on the pitch is well known. But, above all, there are few players who are able to so convincingly lead a team like he does thanks to his outstanding mentality and personality," said the Bayer 04 sporting managing director in praise of the 30-year-old midfielder.
For Xhaka, the move to Leverkusen represents a return to the Bundesliga where he pulled the strings in midfield for Borussia Mönchengladbach from 2012 to 2016. "I know the league inside out and I watched it when I was in London. Bayer 04 is a club with an impressive history and ambitious targets," declared the 6' 1" left-footer. "Above all, I see it as a club with a great future. Discussions with the management have been incredibly motivating. Everybody here is ambitious and wants to achieve something – I'm very much looking forward to the next few years."
The Werkself host VfL Bochum at the BayArena on Bundesliga Matchday 27. Today's game, on Friday 28 March, kicks off at 20:30 CET and there are several events planned. The matchday news on the clash with the team from Castroper Straße.
Show moreVfL Bochum are unbeaten in their last three Bundesliga away matches. The club from the Ruhr inflicted the first home defeat on league leaders Bayern Munich at the start of the month. The Blue and Whites visit the BayArena on Friday night, 28 March (kick-off: 20:30 CET) in the opening fixture on Bundesliga Matchday 27. And the team led by coach Dieter Hecking believe they also stand a chance against last season's double winners. Not least because their top striker is available again. The lowdown on our next opponents.
Show moreThe Werkself returned to the training ground at the start of the week after a short rest during the international break. Head coach Xabi Alonso welcomed back six players from international duty for the session on Wednesday morning in preparation for the Bundesliga home game against VfL Bochum on Friday, 28 March (kick-off: 20:30 CET).
Show moreTwelve Werkself players are in action with their national teams in the current international break. Some of them are playing in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals, others in qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. Read on for the blog on international fixtures involving Bayer 04 players.
Show more