Latest news with #BayArena
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bayer Leverkusen complete the signing of Tim Oermann from Bochum
Bayer Leverkusen have announced that they have completed the signing of central defender Tim Oermann, who joins from Bochum. Oermann joins from relegation Bochum for a fee of around €1.5-2m. The 21-year-old will sign a contract at the BayArena until 2029, however, he will spend the next year on loan at Strum Graz in the Austrian Bundesliga. The defender leaves boyhood club Bochum, where he was a regular in the squad for two seasons, making a total of 51 appearances over three seasons at the Ruhrstadion. Advertisement The Austrian Champions, who won the title on the final day, will play in the Champions League playoffs next season, meaning Oermann will experience European football next season. This is Leverkusen's second signing of the summer window, and it is clear in the direction they are going, after already completing the signing of Ibrahim Maza from Hertha Berlin for €12m. This is a season of upheaval at the BayArena after the confirmed departures of head coach Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid and Jonathan Tah to Bayern Munich, as well as the likely departures of Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz to Liverpool. GGFN | Jack Meenan
The Guardian
12-05-2025
- Sport
- The Guardian
Xabi Alonso basks in hero's sendoff but Dortmund ruin Leverkusen party
It was the last two and a half years in a nutshell; deliciously inventive, daringly late and, quite frankly, a bit too good for Borussia Dortmund. As stoppage time ticked on Florian Wirtz received the ball on the left, seemingly without an angle for a cross; so he dug out a spinning ball with the outside of his foot, spearing it to the back post. The substitute Jonas Hofmann snuck around the back of the defence to bullet a diving header into the far corner as we went into the second minute of added time, another goal at the last for Bayer Leverkusen. Yet there was just a muted cheer and as the familiar chords of ATC's All Around The World greeted the strike from the sound system, they were met by considerable echo. This time, it was already over. Xabi Alonso's side had lost a Bundesliga game for only the third time this season but the moment had long since passed, for coach and for team. With the concession of their title to Bayern Munich last weekend came this week's confirmation from Alonso that 'these last two games are going to be my last two games as Bayer Leverkusen coach'. It was, in many ways, a relief, giving clarity and a chance to truly celebrate everything that Alonso's spell in charge has meant for club and coach. It began before kick-off in Sunday afternoon's game, with Alonso presented with a commemorative shirt and a street sign of Xabi Alonso Allee, the thoroughfare in front of the BayArena unofficially renamed after him on the day of the title win 13 months ago. As he received the plaudits from the stands it was notable to see the travelling Dortmund fans join in. Having helped to break Bayern's hegemony he is seen as someone who did a lot for German football, not just for Leverkusen. Even if it was 'not the result we wanted' in the words of Jeremie Frimpong, this was not an unworthy tribute to Alonso and everything he and his group has achieved since his October 2022 arrival. The first half underlined everything that his team have been about; invention, intensity and just all-round excellence. Frimpong's opener, as he stepped inside to smash high into the net with his left foot, was a signpost to how he has thrived under Alonso, going from dashing wing-back to a player who is also a poised, effective part of the attack. The goal was also scant reward for Leverkusen's total domination of a team who arrived having dropped just two points in the last six games (and those had been in a draw at Bayern), and were saved time and again by the outstanding Gregor Kobel in goal to improbably lead at the break. 'We had a lot of luck in the first half and a lot of Gregor Kobel,' smiled Julian Brandt, who scored the equaliser, admitting that his team had taken the points by adding 'killer instinct' to those first two qualities. The win was wrapped up with a minimum of fuss in the second half, with Karim Adeyemi and Serhou Guirassy scoring to make it 4-1 before Hofmann's minor footnote. Dortmund, then, breathe again, going into the final day with a clear chance of returning to the Champions League, a minor miracle after a largely torrid season. Yet perhaps their biggest takeaway from their trip to BayArena was that to build a winning environment, a true culture, as Alonso has, is another level entirely. Something to aim for and, for Leverkusen, memories to be treasured. Stuttgart 4-0 Augsburg, Eintracht Frankfurt 2-2 St Pauli, Bayer Leverkusen 2-4 Borussia Dortmund, Bayern 2-0 Borussia Mönchengladbach, Holstein Kiel 1-2 Freiburg, Union Berlin 0-3 Heidenheim, Bochum 1-4 Mainz, Werder Bremen 0-0 RB Leipzig, Wolfsburg 2-2 Hoffenheim. It's party time for Bayern and they celebrated properly in their final home game with Borussia Mönchengladbach, a 2-0 win which featured the returning Manuel Neuer repelling a number of attacks in exhilarating fashion. Then, after Harry Kane had returned from a ban to open the scoring and Michael Olise had got himself a goal, it was on to a guard of honour as Thomas Müller left the Allianz Arena field for the final time, followed by beer showers all round and a Sunday morning flight to Ibiza for most of the squad to celebrate at Pacha (despite Max Eberl having put a block on the trip to the island after last weekend's late equaliser for Leipzig). There's still work to be done in the Champions League race, with Dortmund now knowing that (remarkably) they will make the top four if they beat relegated Holstein Kiel at Signal Iduna Park by at least a two-goal margin – because the current third and fourth-placed teams, Eintracht Frankfurt and Freiburg, face each other on the final day. Freiburg came from behind at Kiel on Saturday, with the in-form Lucas Höler's header sending the hosts down, while Eintracht were held at home by St Pauli on Sunday despite taking the lead via Rasmus Kristensen after 22 seconds, thus blowing a second straight chance to mathematically secure a Champions League spot. They need a point in Freiburg to be sure. 'Of course, we imagined it differently,' said Kevin Trapp, 'but I can't remember a last matchday at Eintracht where everything was already decided. That's how it is. But I'm convinced we can do it.' Meanwhile Leipzig's goalless draw at Werder Bremen means they can no longer reach the top four, which put the cap on a deeply disappointing season and which will have consequences. 'You have to be honest and say we didn't deserve it,' admitted sporting director, Marcel Schäfer, who promised a 'bigger than expected' overhaul of his expensively assembled squad. In addition to the missed revenue the loss of status may affect their head coach search, as Leipzig are a less attractive proposition without the Champions League – though there is now the potential aim of a home European final in 2026 as the Red Bull Arena will host next year's Conference League final, though qualifying for that will also require help from Leverkusen against Mainz on the final day. Relegation was confirmed for Holstein Kiel and Bochum, though Dieter Hecking will stay in charge of the latter. St Pauli celebrated wildly in Frankfurt, having got the point that means only a mathematical miracle would send them into the relegation playoff spot currently occupied by Heidenheim, who won 3-0 at Union Berlin. Frank Schmidt's side could escape completely if they win heavily against Werder on the final day and Hoffenheim take a thrashing from Bayern. St Pauli, who this week edged to the verge of their €30m fundraising target from their fan stadium purchase cooperative, also have a top-flight derby with Hamburg to look forward to after HSV secured a Bundesliga return this weekend, after seven years away. Despite a nervy start in which they conceded the opening goal HSV ran out 6-1 winners over Ulm, and a win at Greuther Fürth next weekend would guarantee the title ahead of second-placed Köln, who need a point to guarantee promotion. It is a personal triumph for 34-year-old coach Merlin Polzin, who grew up a season ticket holder. 'I held my brother in my arms,' Polzin said of the post-match celebrations. 'He had tears in his eyes. This means everything to me.'
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bayer Leverkusen vs. Borussia Dortmund preview: Top four-chasing Dortmund look for huge win
The hosts staged a late comeback in their 2-2 draw with Freiburg on May 3, scoring twice after the 82nd minute despite generating just 0.29 xG throughout the match. Although Leverkusen have managed three clean sheets in their last five outings, their attacking efficiency has waned, with only six goals scored in that time, compared to eight in their previous three fixtures. The build-up to this clash has been overshadowed by confirmation that manager Xabi Alonso will leave the club at the end of the campaign, with strong speculation linking him to a summer move to Real Madrid. Leverkusen edged Dortmund 3-2 in their January league meeting, but that remains their only victory against the visitors in their last five meetings, with two defeats suffered in that stretch. While Die Werkself are unbeaten in their last five matches in all competitions, they've also been held to three draws in that span. At BayArena, Alonso's men have been inconsistent, winning two and drawing one of their last three, but had previously gone three home games without a win, suffering two losses and a draw. Team News Leverkusen will be without defenders Jeanuel Belocian, Mario Hermoso, and Nordi Mukiele due to injury. Still, regulars Edmond Tapsoba, Jonathan Tah, and Piero Hincapie are fit and expected to anchor the backline. Granit Xhaka remains a central figure in midfield and should start alongside Aleix Garcia, while Florian Wirtz is set to lead the attack alongside Emiliano Buendia and Patrik Schick. Borussia Dortmund, meanwhile, arrive in Leverkusen fresh from a commanding 4-0 win over Wolfsburg, in which they created four big chances and racked up nearly 2.5 xG. Manager Niko Kovac will be pleased with his team's recent attacking form, having scored 12 goals in their last four matches, though their defence remains a concern, with five goals conceded during that same stretch. Dortmund currently sit in the Europa League spot, one point behind fourth-placed Freiburg and still within reach of the final Champions League berth with two games remaining. BVB head into Sunday's clash riding a wave of momentum, having won four consecutive matches in all competitions and five of their last six in the Bundesliga. However, their away form has been erratic, with two wins, one draw, and two losses in their past five road trips, suggesting vulnerability when not at Signal Iduna Park. Team News Dortmund have relatively few injury concerns, with only centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck ruled out until October and attacker Maximilian Beier sidelined until the end of May. Kovac may stick with his favoured back three of Niklas Süle, Waldemar Anton, and Ramy Bensebaini. Up front, Serhou Guirassy, who has scored 32 goals across all competitions, will spearhead the attack, with creative support expected from Julian Brandt and Karim Adeyemi.
Business Upturn
08-05-2025
- Business
- Business Upturn
Florian Wirtz speaks up on his future; gives clear exit Indication
Bayer Leverkusen's star Florian Wirtz is looking to leave the club after this season. By Ravi Kumar Jha Published on May 8, 2025, 18:34 IST Bayer Leverkusen's star Florian Wirtz is looking to leave the club after this season. The player is tempted by the interest from other clubs and he is desperately waiting for a change. He himself releases a statement on his future by giving a clear exit Indication. Bayer Leverkusen's star midfielder Florian Wirtz has sparked major transfer speculation after openly admitting his desire for a new challenge. The 21-year-old sensation, who played a pivotal role in Leverkusen's historic unbeaten Bundesliga season, is now looking beyond the BayArena. In a recent statement, Wirtz gave a strong indication of his future plans, saying, 'It's definitely tempting for me to leave my comfort zone at some point and experience something new. I'm so lucky to have so many excellent clubs right now at my doorstep.' Wirtz's words have fueled rumours that a departure is on the horizon, with top European clubs circling. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, FC Bayern Munich, Manchester City, and Real Madrid are the three clubs actively monitoring the German international, with Bayern emerging as the current front-runners. As the summer window approaches, Wirtz's future remains one of the most talked-about stories, with fans and analysts alike waiting to see where the midfield maestro lands next. Ravi kumar jha is an undergraduate student in Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia and Mass Communication. A media enthusiast who has a strong hold on communication and he also has a genuine interest in sports. Ravi is currently working as a journalist at
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz open to playing elsewhere
Leverkusen's head coach Xabier Alonso, right, celebrates with Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz at the end of the German Bundesliga soccer match between Bayer Leverkusen and FC Augsburg at the BayArena in Leverkusen, Germany, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz reacts disappointed during the German Bundesliga soccer match between Bayer Leverkusen and Union Berlin at the BayArena in Leverkusen, Germany, Saturday, April 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz reacts disappointed during the German Bundesliga soccer match between Bayer Leverkusen and Union Berlin at the BayArena in Leverkusen, Germany, Saturday, April 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) Leverkusen's head coach Xabier Alonso, right, celebrates with Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz at the end of the German Bundesliga soccer match between Bayer Leverkusen and FC Augsburg at the BayArena in Leverkusen, Germany, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz reacts disappointed during the German Bundesliga soccer match between Bayer Leverkusen and Union Berlin at the BayArena in Leverkusen, Germany, Saturday, April 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) LEVERKUSEN, Germany (AP) — Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz says he'd like to play for another club sometime. 'I'm definitely keen to leave my comfort zone at some point and experience something new,' Wirtz said in a Sports Illustrated interview published on Thursday. 'I know the football locker rooms well enough and am convinced I would quickly fit in anywhere.' Advertisement The 22-year-old Wirtz has a contract with Leverkusen to 2027 but has been linked with a potential move to league rival Bayern Munich, Premier League side Manchester City, and Spanish giant Real Madrid. Bayern powerbroker Uli Hoeneß has been calling for Wirtz's signing, but the financially hampered club will likely find its ambitions limited by the price Leverkusen can demand for the young star, widely considered one of the best players in Germany. Man City would have no such constraints as it looks for a successor to the departing Kevin de Bruyne, nor would Madrid for a 'galactico' signing if he were to join with Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso, who is widely expected to take over from Carlo Ancelotti at the Spanish club. 'I'm quite lucky to have so many great clubs at my doorstep and to be able to play for one of the best clubs in Germany and Europe now,' Wirtz said. 'I've great respect for the guys here in Leverkusen who come from South America or Africa, for example, and who leave their families and surroundings behind for their careers.' Advertisement Wirtz was 16 when he joined Leverkusen from local rival Cologne in January 2020. Six months later he became the youngest player to score in the Bundesliga at age 17 years, 34 days, though that record was later taken by Borussia Dortmund's Youssoufa Moukoko. 'When I switched from Cologne to Leverkusen, I didn't think about my salary for a single second, but only about what was best for my career. I don't even think about how much money I have in my account or what I could earn in the future,' said Wirtz, who was grateful to his parents for their support. 'They taught me to have a lifestyle that's good for me, and not to neglect school. My parents played a big part in me becoming a professional soccer player. They were at every game, and my mother was even at every training session. I can count myself very lucky to have such a family,' Wirtz said. Wirtz's older sister, Juliane Wirtz, plays for Werder Bremen women's team. Florian Wirtz has scored 10 goals and set up 12 more in the Bundesliga this season. He has six goals in 29 appearances for Germany. ___ AP soccer:
