Bayer Leverkusen have extended the loan of Liverpool goalkeeper Rafaela Borggräfe for the 2026/27 season, ensuring the Germany U23 international remains in the Bundesliga after an encouraging second half of last season.
The 25-year-old joined Leverkusen from Liverpool during the winter transfer window and quickly established herself as a reliable presence between the posts, making ten Bundesliga appearances during the Rückrunde. Following her successful adaptation to German football, Bayer have now secured another year of her services.
The extension provides continuity in goal for Leverkusen while offering Borggräfe the opportunity to continue rebuilding momentum after a turbulent year both on and off the pitch.
Borggräfe arrived in January seeking regular playing time after a difficult period at Liverpool. The goalkeeper settled quickly in Leverkusen, earning praise from sporting director Achim Feifel, who highlighted both her professionalism and mentality following the announcement of the loan extension.
Leverkusen believe the former Freiburg goalkeeper can continue developing into one of Germany’s leading goalkeepers and view her as an important part of their plans for the upcoming campaign.
The club’s confidence is reflected in the decision to extend the agreement for another season rather than seeking an alternative option in the transfer market.
Before joining Liverpool, Borggräfe spent more than a decade at Freiburg, progressing through the club’s system before establishing herself in the first team.
Her performances earned recognition at international level, progressing through Germany’s youth teams before receiving her first senior national team call-up in December 2024.
A move to Liverpool appeared to be the next major step in her career, but opportunities proved limited and her first season in England was interrupted by off-field issues. The move to Bayer Leverkusen has provided an opportunity to regain regular minutes and continue her development in a familiar environment.
Rafaela Borggräfe’s season was also impacted by a six-match suspension imposed by the English FA after an investigation found she had made a racist remark involving reference to skin colour during Liverpool’s pre-season preparations.
The goalkeeper accepted the sanction and was required to complete an educational programme as part of the punishment. Liverpool cooperated with the FA investigation, while the club and governing body declined to release further details surrounding the case on player welfare grounds.
The incident represented a significant setback during Borggräfe’s first year in the [WSL](https://womenfootball.blog/womens-super-league-table-standings/) England and remains part of the context surrounding her recent career trajectory.
From a football perspective, the extension appears logical for all parties. Leverkusen gain a goalkeeper who already understands the club and has proven capable of performing at Bundesliga level. Borggräfe receives another season of regular football after settling successfully into the squad.
Perhaps most importantly, the additional year provides stability at a crucial stage of her career. At 25, Borggräfe is entering what should be the prime years for a goalkeeper. Consistent performances in the Bundesliga could strengthen her chances of eventually returning to the senior Germany setup while continuing to rebuild her reputation on the pitch.
* **Player:** Rafaela Borggräfe
* **Age:** 25
* **Position:** Goalkeeper
* **Parent Club:** Liverpool
* **Club:** Bayer Leverkusen
* **Transfer Type:** Loan extension
* **Duration:** Until June 2027
**2025/26 Highlights:**
* 10 Bundesliga appearances for Bayer Leverkusen
* Germany U23 international
* First senior Germany call-up in 2024
**Key Development:**
Loan extended following a strong second half of the season in Leverkusen.
Borggräfe will now begin preparations for a full season with Bayer Leverkusen, where she is expected to play an important role in the club’s ambitions for 2026/27.
The coming campaign offers an opportunity to focus firmly on football after a difficult year that included both a move abroad and a disciplinary suspension.
For Leverkusen, the decision is a vote of confidence in a goalkeeper they believe can continue progressing. For Borggräfe, it represents another chance to demonstrate that her future will be defined by her performances on the pitch.
Source: [Bayer 04 Leverkusen](https://www.bayer04.de/en-us/news/women/loan-extension-rafaela-borggraefe-to-stay-at-bayer-04)