Bayer Leverkusen announced on July 7 2026 that the loan deal for 25‑year‑old goalkeeper Rafaela Borggräfe from FC Liverpool has been extended for another year. The German U‑23 international, who already made ten appearances in the second half of the 2025/26 season, will therefore stay until summer 2027.
How did the loan come about?
Borggräfe moved from SC Freiburg to England in the summer of 2024 after twelve seasons. At Liverpool she was mostly a backup and saw limited action. In January 2026 Leverkusen offered her a starting spot, and after ten games – including a 1‑0 win over Union Berlin – she convinced the club to keep her.
Why is the extension important?
Leverkusen currently sit 6th in the Bundesliga with 59 points from 34 matches (17 wins, 8 draws, 9 losses) and a recent form of DLWWL. The defence has conceded 47 goals while scoring 68, giving a +21 goal difference. Being only 30 points behind leaders Bayern Munich, the team needs stability at the back, and Borggräfe provides exactly that after a few shaky outings.
What does this mean for the upcoming season?
Coach Xabi Alonso has stressed the need for continuity to push the club into the top‑four. With Borggräfe between the sticks, he can tighten the back line and still give younger full‑backs minutes. The next test is a clash with FC St. Pauli on August 12, following a 1‑1 draw against Hamburger SV on May 16 2026.
What are the long‑term prospects?
If Borggräfe repeats her Liverpool form, a permanent move could be on the table for summer 2027. Her market value is estimated at about €12 million, a fee Leverkusen would be willing to meet for a purchase option. For Liverpool the loan continues to give the young keeper valuable game time while keeping her in the European spotlight.
Thus Bayer Leverkusen remains well equipped with an experienced goalkeeper as they chase a Champions‑League spot.
