1 day ago
Bayer Leverkusen took a deserved lead into the latter stages of the first half against Bundesliga leaders Augsburg, with Christian Kofane rewarding an increasingly threatening display from the visitors.
Augsburg actually created the first opening inside the opening minute, as Robin Fellhauer's low delivery found Hennes Behrens at the far post, only for Facundo Medina to make an important block.
Leverkusen quickly began to grow into the contest, however, with Moussa Diaby causing problems down the right and Kofane heading an Aleix Garcia corner narrowly wide.
Ibrahim Maza was next to threaten, driving into the penalty area before seeing a left-footed effort blocked, while Finn Dahmen was called upon to deny a further Leverkusen opening after Medina picked out a run in behind.
The visitors eventually made their pressure count in the 18th minute, when Kofane converted following an **** ist from Edmond Tapsoba to put Carles Martinez's side in front.
#kofane #augsburg
Augsburg actually created the first opening inside the opening minute, as Robin Fellhauer's low delivery found Hennes Behrens at the far post, only for Facundo Medina to make an important block.
Leverkusen quickly began to grow into the contest, however, with Moussa Diaby causing problems down the right and Kofane heading an Aleix Garcia corner narrowly wide.
Ibrahim Maza was next to threaten, driving into the penalty area before seeing a left-footed effort blocked, while Finn Dahmen was called upon to deny a further Leverkusen opening after Medina picked out a run in behind.
The visitors eventually made their pressure count in the 18th minute, when Kofane converted following an **** ist from Edmond Tapsoba to put Carles Martinez's side in front.
#kofane #augsburg
15 days ago
Bundesliga newcomers Elversberg kick-started their first top-flight campaign in style, stunning 2023-24 champions Bayer Leverkusen in a dominant 3-2 home victory on Saturday.
Lukas Petkov and American striker Cole Campbell scored within 60 seconds of each other to put Elversberg 2-0 up before the 10-minute mark.
David Mokwa added another early in the second half. Leverkusen's Patrik Schick and Christian Kofane scored late, but it was not enough to prevent a famous victory for the minnows.
Elversberg has a population of just 13,000, making it the smallest town ever to have a German top-flight side.
Just 9,307 fans were able to watch the surprise win in the club's home ground, which is still under construction.
#bundesliga #lukas
Lukas Petkov and American striker Cole Campbell scored within 60 seconds of each other to put Elversberg 2-0 up before the 10-minute mark.
David Mokwa added another early in the second half. Leverkusen's Patrik Schick and Christian Kofane scored late, but it was not enough to prevent a famous victory for the minnows.
Elversberg has a population of just 13,000, making it the smallest town ever to have a German top-flight side.
Just 9,307 fans were able to watch the surprise win in the club's home ground, which is still under construction.
#bundesliga #lukas
15 days ago
Elversberg enjoyed a dream Bundesliga debut as one of the smallest clubs ever to grace the German top flight humbled 2024 champions Bayer Leverkusen 3-2 at home on Saturday.
Saarland-based Elversberg, from a district of just 13,000 people and a village of only 7,000, made an early mockery of pundits who said they would struggle badly in their first season after promotion.
In front of 10,000 fans at the URSAPHARM Arena with just three sides and a slew of temporary structures, Lukas Petkov struck on 8 minutes and ex-Borussia Dortmund youth prospect Cole Campbell netted straight after.
David Mokwa made it 3-0 right at the start of the second half. Patrik Schick's flick for Leverkusen was their first shot on goal and Christian Kofane's second in injury time set up a nervous finish, but the home side hung on.
It was an abject Bundesliga start for new Leverkusen coach Carles Martínez, especially as new captain Edmund Tapsoba was at fault for the first two goals, presenting US forward Campbell with the ball for the swift second.
#first #second #home #made
Saarland-based Elversberg, from a district of just 13,000 people and a village of only 7,000, made an early mockery of pundits who said they would struggle badly in their first season after promotion.
In front of 10,000 fans at the URSAPHARM Arena with just three sides and a slew of temporary structures, Lukas Petkov struck on 8 minutes and ex-Borussia Dortmund youth prospect Cole Campbell netted straight after.
David Mokwa made it 3-0 right at the start of the second half. Patrik Schick's flick for Leverkusen was their first shot on goal and Christian Kofane's second in injury time set up a nervous finish, but the home side hung on.
It was an abject Bundesliga start for new Leverkusen coach Carles Martínez, especially as new captain Edmund Tapsoba was at fault for the first two goals, presenting US forward Campbell with the ball for the swift second.
#first #second #home #made
18 days ago
Aston Villa's summer planning has taken another intriguing turn, with Athletic reporting that the club have "made an approach to Bayer Leverkusen for striker Christian Kofane". It is a move that says plenty about the market Villa are working in, and even more about the uncertainty surrounding Ollie Watkins.
According to the report, Villa are "long-standing admirers of the 20-year-old, with interest pre-dating his transfer to Leverkusen in 2025". That line matters. This does not read like a rushed reaction to a difficult week, it feels more like a name already established on the club's internal list, now pushed forward by events.
The central issue remains Watkins. The report states he "has made clear he wishes to join Al Hilal", a significant development for a player who has carried so much of Villa's attacking burden. Villa's stance, for now, is firm. "Last week, Villa rejected a fourth offer worth £45million for the 30-year-old and do not wish to sell him." Even so, the article adds that "Villa are stepping up contingency plans, with Kofane among the options to replace Watkins."
Photo IMAGO
Leverkusen's position appears equally clear. They "do not wish to sell Kofane and do not intend to do so after club-to-club contact was made by Villa." That leaves Villa in a familiar transfer-market balancing act, admiration on one side, resistance on the other.
#leverkusen
According to the report, Villa are "long-standing admirers of the 20-year-old, with interest pre-dating his transfer to Leverkusen in 2025". That line matters. This does not read like a rushed reaction to a difficult week, it feels more like a name already established on the club's internal list, now pushed forward by events.
The central issue remains Watkins. The report states he "has made clear he wishes to join Al Hilal", a significant development for a player who has carried so much of Villa's attacking burden. Villa's stance, for now, is firm. "Last week, Villa rejected a fourth offer worth £45million for the 30-year-old and do not wish to sell him." Even so, the article adds that "Villa are stepping up contingency plans, with Kofane among the options to replace Watkins."
Photo IMAGO
Leverkusen's position appears equally clear. They "do not wish to sell Kofane and do not intend to do so after club-to-club contact was made by Villa." That leaves Villa in a familiar transfer-market balancing act, admiration on one side, resistance on the other.
#leverkusen
20 days ago
Maintaining the unprecedented highs of success set by Xabi Alonso was always going to be tricky, but ***** ody at Bayer Leverkusen could have foreseen how it unfolded. With Erik Ten Hag sacked after just two league games in charge, it set the tone for what would be a turbulent and uncomfortable 2025-26 season.
The Rhineland club acted quickly and choose to appoint Kasper Hjulmand who filled the void. Despite being unable to impart his tactics on the squad in pre-season, the Dane made a bright start to his rein with seven wins from his first nine games. Thereafter, things started to unravel.
Costly defeats and losing their grip on a prized Champions League berth in the final two matchday's effectively sealed Hjulmand's fate. With a desire for stability, Leverkusen's chiefs decided that a change at the helm would be needed, thus parting ways with the 54-year-old after a sixth-place finish.
With several components of their squad at the 2026 World Cup, Leverkusen partially regrouped for pre-season on 14 July. Players were met by a new face in coach Carles Martinez. The Spaniard, arriving from Girona, said he was keen to bring his intense and passionate style of football to the BayArena.
With routine wins over Sportfreunde Baumberg (7-0) and Kickers Offenbach (3-1), Leverkusen faced a sterner task in KRC Genk. The Belgian Pro League side were brushed aside 4-0, with further impressive displays from summer signing Afonso Moreira alongside Nathan Tella and Christian Kofane.
#leverkusen #season #xabi #alonso
The Rhineland club acted quickly and choose to appoint Kasper Hjulmand who filled the void. Despite being unable to impart his tactics on the squad in pre-season, the Dane made a bright start to his rein with seven wins from his first nine games. Thereafter, things started to unravel.
Costly defeats and losing their grip on a prized Champions League berth in the final two matchday's effectively sealed Hjulmand's fate. With a desire for stability, Leverkusen's chiefs decided that a change at the helm would be needed, thus parting ways with the 54-year-old after a sixth-place finish.
With several components of their squad at the 2026 World Cup, Leverkusen partially regrouped for pre-season on 14 July. Players were met by a new face in coach Carles Martinez. The Spaniard, arriving from Girona, said he was keen to bring his intense and passionate style of football to the BayArena.
With routine wins over Sportfreunde Baumberg (7-0) and Kickers Offenbach (3-1), Leverkusen faced a sterner task in KRC Genk. The Belgian Pro League side were brushed aside 4-0, with further impressive displays from summer signing Afonso Moreira alongside Nathan Tella and Christian Kofane.
#leverkusen #season #xabi #alonso
1 month ago
Following an impressive first season at Bayer Leverkusen, Christian Kofane has been linked with a move away from the BayArena, with **** nal reportedly among his suitors.
The 20-year-old forward, however, insists he hasn't heard anything about the Gunners' alleged interest.
"No, that didn't reach me. My agent apparently spoke to one or two people. I myself didn't have any contact with anyone," he told Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger.
Kofane's agent, Eric Depolo, described him as a "€100m player" in an interview earlier this year, but that claim has apparently gone unnoticed by the striker, too.
"Wow. No, I didn't know that. You clearly don't know me: I don't concern myself with social media and things like that," he said.
#year #apparently #bayer
The 20-year-old forward, however, insists he hasn't heard anything about the Gunners' alleged interest.
"No, that didn't reach me. My agent apparently spoke to one or two people. I myself didn't have any contact with anyone," he told Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger.
Kofane's agent, Eric Depolo, described him as a "€100m player" in an interview earlier this year, but that claim has apparently gone unnoticed by the striker, too.
"Wow. No, I didn't know that. You clearly don't know me: I don't concern myself with social media and things like that," he said.
#year #apparently #bayer
2 months ago
Bayer Leverkusen continued their perfect pre-season start with a 4-0 win over Belgian side Genk on Wednesday. Summer signing Afonso Moreira maintained his record of scoring in every game before providing the **** ist for the fourth goal.
Unlike their first two friendlies, Leverkusen played the game at their home ground for the youth teams, Ulrich-Haberland-Stadion. Jeanuel Belocian opened the scoring after Edmond Tapsoba's incisive through pass before fellow French defender Loïc Badé saw his perfect goal cancelled for an offside.
Nathan Tella doubled Leverkusen's advantage before the break, with the **** ist provided by Jonas Hofmann after Carles Martínez's boys won back possession in the final third. Before the Spaniard coach changed the entire lineup at the hour mark, Die Werkself added two quickfire second-half goals.
Former Lyon attacker Moreira scored his fourth pre-season goal with a clinical finish before a well-worked **** ist for Christian Kofane's goal a couple of minutes later. While Kerim Alajbegovic and Martin Terrier are standing at the exit door from the club, Moreira is showing more than enough quality to be trusted as the starting left winger ahead of the season start.
Meanwhile, Patrik Schick played his first pre-season minutes as he played alongside Victor Boniface in the scoreless last half an hour. Leverkusen will face 3. Liga side Rot-Weiss Essen in their next friendly game at Ulrich-Haberland-Stadion on August 1st.
#moreira #ulrich #haberland
Unlike their first two friendlies, Leverkusen played the game at their home ground for the youth teams, Ulrich-Haberland-Stadion. Jeanuel Belocian opened the scoring after Edmond Tapsoba's incisive through pass before fellow French defender Loïc Badé saw his perfect goal cancelled for an offside.
Nathan Tella doubled Leverkusen's advantage before the break, with the **** ist provided by Jonas Hofmann after Carles Martínez's boys won back possession in the final third. Before the Spaniard coach changed the entire lineup at the hour mark, Die Werkself added two quickfire second-half goals.
Former Lyon attacker Moreira scored his fourth pre-season goal with a clinical finish before a well-worked **** ist for Christian Kofane's goal a couple of minutes later. While Kerim Alajbegovic and Martin Terrier are standing at the exit door from the club, Moreira is showing more than enough quality to be trusted as the starting left winger ahead of the season start.
Meanwhile, Patrik Schick played his first pre-season minutes as he played alongside Victor Boniface in the scoreless last half an hour. Leverkusen will face 3. Liga side Rot-Weiss Essen in their next friendly game at Ulrich-Haberland-Stadion on August 1st.
#moreira #ulrich #haberland
2 months ago
Everton have stolen a march on Europe’s elite. According to reports from Africa Foot, via Sport Witness, the Toffees have tabled a formal opening bid for Bayer Leverkusen’s teenage sensation Christian Kofane. It is an unexpected, aggressive twist to the summer window.
The Merseysiders are long-term admirers. They tracked the 19-year-old Cameroon international well before his five million euro move from Albacete Balompié to Germany last July. Now, David Moyes has authorised a massive gamble to bring him to Goodison Park.
It is a crowded race. **** nal previously led the queue, with Barcelona, Newcastle United, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich all sniffing around. The hype is real, stoked by agent Eric Depolo, who publicly branded his client a future hundred-million-euro **** et. Leverkusen are playing hardball, too, demanding that exact nine-figure sum. Moyes, however, needs a reliable frontman right now to replace underperforming attackers, and the Goodison board are waiting on a response.
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 17: Christian Kofane of Bayer 04 Leverkusen runs with the ball during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between **** nal FC and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at **** nal Stadium on March 17, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
Fiscally, Everton are on a tightrope. Paying anything near Leverkusen’s public valuation is an absurd, unjustifiable risk for a player with so little top-flight experience.
The Merseysiders are long-term admirers. They tracked the 19-year-old Cameroon international well before his five million euro move from Albacete Balompié to Germany last July. Now, David Moyes has authorised a massive gamble to bring him to Goodison Park.
It is a crowded race. **** nal previously led the queue, with Barcelona, Newcastle United, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich all sniffing around. The hype is real, stoked by agent Eric Depolo, who publicly branded his client a future hundred-million-euro **** et. Leverkusen are playing hardball, too, demanding that exact nine-figure sum. Moyes, however, needs a reliable frontman right now to replace underperforming attackers, and the Goodison board are waiting on a response.
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 17: Christian Kofane of Bayer 04 Leverkusen runs with the ball during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between **** nal FC and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at **** nal Stadium on March 17, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
Fiscally, Everton are on a tightrope. Paying anything near Leverkusen’s public valuation is an absurd, unjustifiable risk for a player with so little top-flight experience.
2 months ago
Everton have taken a significant step in their pursuit of highly rated striker Christian Kofane, with Africa Foot reporting that the Merseyside club have submitted an official offer to Bayer Leverkusen for the talented Cameroonian forward.
The Toffees have reportedly admired Kofane for some time and have now decided to act decisively as competition for his signature continues to grow across Europe. With clubs including ***** nal, Barcelona and Newcastle previously linked with the youngster, Everton's move signals genuine intent to strengthen their attacking options before the new Premier League season.
According to the original report from Africa Foot, "Everton have made a move for Christian Kofane. The Toffees have submitted a concrete offer to Bayer Leverkusen in an attempt to secure the services of the young Cameroonian striker." That development immediately places Everton firmly among the leading contenders for one of Africa's brightest emerging talents.
Photo: IMAGO
Kofane's reputation has continued to rise following his move to Bayer Leverkusen, with his performances attracting widespread attention from Europe's elite. The original report notes that "Christian Kofane continues to attract interest in the transfer market. The young Cameroonian striker for Bayer Leverkusen is among the most closely watched players this summer."
The Toffees have reportedly admired Kofane for some time and have now decided to act decisively as competition for his signature continues to grow across Europe. With clubs including ***** nal, Barcelona and Newcastle previously linked with the youngster, Everton's move signals genuine intent to strengthen their attacking options before the new Premier League season.
According to the original report from Africa Foot, "Everton have made a move for Christian Kofane. The Toffees have submitted a concrete offer to Bayer Leverkusen in an attempt to secure the services of the young Cameroonian striker." That development immediately places Everton firmly among the leading contenders for one of Africa's brightest emerging talents.
Photo: IMAGO
Kofane's reputation has continued to rise following his move to Bayer Leverkusen, with his performances attracting widespread attention from Europe's elite. The original report notes that "Christian Kofane continues to attract interest in the transfer market. The young Cameroonian striker for Bayer Leverkusen is among the most closely watched players this summer."
