Bayer 04 Leverkusen Women are preparing for another ambitious season after a busy summer transfer window filled with departures, contract renewals and new arrivals. Following a fifth-place finish in the 2025/26 Frauen-Bundesliga season, Leverkusen are aiming to take the next step and close the gap to the league’s top four.
The club finished level on points with fourth place but missed out due to goal difference. Despite remaining around the same position in recent seasons, Bayer have steadily improved year after year, recording more victories with each campaign. The current rebuild signals clear intent from the club to compete even higher up the Frauen-Bundesliga table in 2026/27.
The latest player to commit her future to the club is homegrown midfielder Sofie Zdebel, who signed a new two-year contract extension until 2028, with an option for an additional season.
Here is a complete overview of Bayer 04 Leverkusen Women’s summer transfer activity so far.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen Women Departures
Several players will leave Bayer Leverkusen this summer as the squad undergoes significant changes.
Forward Vanessa Haim departs the club following the expiration of her contract. The striker joined Leverkusen in 2024 and made 13 appearances, but injuries limited her opportunities throughout her time at the club.
Chinese international Shen Menglu will also leave after her contract expired. Like Haim, she arrived in 2024 and featured 13 times for the club. Her season was heavily disrupted after suffering an ACL injury in March 2025, although she recently returned to action.
One of the club’s biggest departures is vice-captain Kristin Kögel, who has joined Racing Strasbourg. The midfielder arrived from Bayern Munich in 2022 and became a key figure in Leverkusen’s rise. Across 140 appearances, Kögel scored 27 goals and registered 18 assists, making her one of the team’s most influential players in recent years.
Goalkeeper Anne Moll has completed a move to VfL Bochum. Despite impressing in the Frauen-Bundesliga, Bayer sporting director Achim Feifel explained that regular playing time at the highest level could not be guaranteed next season, making the transfer the best step for her development.
Full-back Julia Mickenhagen has joined newly promoted VfB Stuttgart in search of more consistent minutes. The 21-year-old spent several years within the Leverkusen setup after joining in 2018 and made 31 competitive appearances, scoring four goals.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen Women New Signings
Leverkusen have been highly active in the transfer market, strengthening multiple areas of the squad ahead of next season.
The club added attacking depth with the signing of Maja Sternad from Werder Bremen. The 22-year-old forward signed a contract until 2028 and is known for her dynamic movement and ability to attack space behind defensive lines. During her time at Bremen, Sternad made 107 appearances and scored 13 goals.
In midfield, Marlene Müller arrives from RB Leipzig on a deal until 2028. Müller offers defensive stability while also contributing offensively, qualities that make her one of Leverkusen’s most promising additions this summer. She scored five goals across 66 Frauen-Bundesliga appearances for Leipzig.
Experienced Germany international Carolin Simon also returns to Bayer Leverkusen. The 33-year-old previously represented the club between 2013 and 2016 and brings elite-level experience to the squad. Simon has won the Frauen-Bundesliga five times, lifted the DFB-Pokal and surpassed 250 Bundesliga appearances. She signed a contract until 2028.
Dutch striker Lobke Loonen joins from FC Utrecht to further strengthen the attack. The 23-year-old signed until 2028 and arrives with an impressive scoring record, netting 36 goals in 69 Eredivisie matches. Her physical presence and finishing ability are expected to add a different dimension to Leverkusen’s frontline.
Another attacking reinforcement is Natasha Kowalski, who joins from SGS Essen. The 22-year-old is capable of playing both in midfield and advanced attacking roles. Across 85 Frauen-Bundesliga matches, Kowalski recorded 17 goals and 19 assists, highlighting her creativity and attacking output.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen Women Contract Extensions
Alongside new arrivals, Bayer Leverkusen have also secured the futures of several important players.
Estrella Merino Gonzalez signed a two-year contract extension after continuing her impressive development at the club. Still only 19 years old, Gonzalez has been part of the Leverkusen system since 2017. Originally playing as a striker, her versatility helped her successfully transition into a full-back role at senior level.
Defender Caroline Kehrer extended her contract by one year until June 2027. Since joining from Braga in 2024, Kehrer has made 40 competitive appearances and established herself as a reliable option in defence.
Most recently, academy product Sofie Zdebel committed her future to the club with a new contract running until 2028, including an option for an extra year. The midfielder is regarded as one of the club’s key long-term talents and represents Leverkusen’s continued investment in homegrown players.
With experienced arrivals, emerging talent and important contract renewals, Bayer 04 Leverkusen Women appear determined to challenge even higher in the Frauen-Bundesliga next season.
Source: Bayer 04 Leverkusen
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