Back
2.02.2021Women

Japan international Tanaka strengthens Women's squad

The Bayer 04 Women have secured the services of a top striker: Mina Tanaka will be going in search of goals for the Werkself in the remaining games in the second half of the season. The Japan international is on loan to 30 June 2021 from Japanese top-flight club INAC Kobe Leonessa.
crop_20210201_JS_Tanaka_0016.jpg

Bayer 04 have responded to the departure of striker Ivana Rudelic: "We wanted to do something in this position after Rudelic moved on to FC Bayern. We've succeeded by bringing in Mina Tanaka on loan," said Thomas Eichin, director of the Kurtekotten Performance Centre. And Linda Schöttler, general manager of Women's football at Bayer 04, is also happy with the transfer: "Being able to sign a six-time striker of the year from Japan is definitely something special. She is the first Japanese at our club. I'm happy that Mina Tanaka will gain her first experience abroad here with us."

The 26-year-old striker has already gained honours in Japan. In the Nadeshiko League, the top women's league in Japan, she was the top scorer in the years 2016 to 2019, was the striker of the year six times in succession, won the national Empress's Cup four times and also received the award as the best player in the league in 2018 and 2019. Tanaka has also established herself in the Japan team (39 caps, 16 goals) and she was in the side that won the Women’s AFC Asian Cup in 2018.

"I'm very happy and it fills me with pride to be able to play in Germany and for Bayer 04. I'm really glad to be able to take on this challenge. I've been able to follow the great development of the team in recent months and I can very much identify with the club. I will do all I can to help the team and the club achieve their targets," said the new signing looking forward to the coming months.

Related News

Selfie mit den Fans
Women - 13.03.2025

Women: Family matchday with autograph session against Werder Bremen

Bayer 04 have organised a range of events at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium for the home game against Werder Bremen Sunday, 16 March. Part of the family matchday is an autograph session with two of the currently injured players Katharina Piljic and Vanessa Haim.

Show more
Werkself bow out of the Champions League after a 2-0 defeat | Round of 16 UCL
Werkself-TV - 12.03.2025

TV highlights of 0-2 against FC Bayern

Werkself-TV shows the highlights of Bayer 04's 0-2 loss against FC Bayern Munich in the 2nd leg of the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League 2024/25...

Show more
Jeremie Frimpong
Champions League - 11.03.2025

Werkself bow out of Champions League after 2-0 defeat to FC Bayern

Bayer 04 were unable to mount a comeback despite valiant efforts. A week after the 3-0 defeat in the first leg at Bayern Munich, the Werkself were beaten in the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16 tie. Both the goals conceded in the 2-0 defeat came in the second half.

Show more
Cornelia Kramer trifft
Women - 11.03.2025

Two set pieces for victory: Women equal points record in Jena

The Bayer 04 Women have secured three points on the road after four games without a win. Thanks to an impressive second-half performance and two set-piece goals, the team led by coach Roberto Pätzold sealed a 2-0 win away to newcomers FC Carl Zeiss Jena. With goals from Cornelia Kramer (54') and Lilla Turanyi (73') the Werkself have equalled their previous points record from the 2020/21 season with 33 points after 16 games this term.

Show more
BayArena
Champions League - 11.03.2025

Matchday news #B04FCB: Go all out for a comeback

The Werkself host Bayern Munich in the Round of 16 second leg in the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 in front of a full house at the BayArena (first leg 0-3). Today's match on Tuesday, 11 March, kicks off at 21:00 CET and is broadcast live on Prime Video as well as on Werkself Radio. Matchday news brings you the latest news on the game.

Show more