Bayer Leverkusen have announced that sporting director Simon Rolfes has extended his contract at the club until 2028 lengthening his association with the club.
On his extension, Rolfes said: “Bayer 04 was and is a part of my life. I have learned a lot here and am happy that I can contribute to the further development of the club together with many professional and committed colleagues. We have achieved a lot in the last few years and have gained enormously in quality, and not just on the pitch. Bayer 04 also has a lot of what a demanding, modern and success-hungry club has to offer. I really enjoy working in such a professional environment. That’s why I’m very pleased that we will continue on this exciting path together.”
Rolfes’ association with Leverkusen began in 2005 when he joined the club from Alemannia Aachen for €750,00. The former midfielder would play for Leverkusen for 10 years before retiring in 2015. Rolfes would then return in 2018 to take over as the academy manager, since then he has risen through the ranks before being appointed sporting director in 2022 replacing Rudi Völler.
During his brief time in the role, Rolfes has been one of the masterminds in turning Leverkusen around, he brought in Xabi Alonso as manager last season before in the summer pulling off several smart deals with the acquisition of Granit Xhaka, Alejandro Grimaldo, Victor Boniface and Jonas Hofmann. Whilst also getting Edmond Tapsoba, Exequiel Palacios and Jeremie Frimpong to sign contract extensions.
The former midfielder’s next big challenge will be replacing the key players who could leave in the summer whilst also maintaining Leverkusen’s competitiveness.
GGFN | Jack Meenan
