Liverpool Goalkeeper Rafaela Borggräfe Loaned to Bayer Leverkusen

Liverpool FC Women have loaned goalkeeper Rafaela Borggräfe to Bayer Leverkusen for the remainder of the 2025-26 season, as announced by the club on February 3, 2026.[1][2]

The 25-year-old German joined Liverpool last summer on a free transfer from SC Freiburg. Despite high expectations, her time at Anfield has been limited to just four appearances across all competitions.[1][2][3] Her stint was further complicated by a six-match suspension imposed after a Football Association investigation revealed she used discriminatory language toward a teammate during a pre-season squad photoshoot in September.[3]

Opportunities dwindled further with the January arrival of Jennifer Falk on loan, alongside Rachael Laws, signaling Liverpool's intent to clear the path for these new goalkeepers in the goalkeeping pecking order.[3] The move to Leverkusen, who sit third in the Frauen-Bundesliga, provides Borggräfe a vital chance for regular playing time back in her homeland to revive her stalled career.[3][4]

Leverkusen face Eintracht Frankfurt away on Saturday, offering Borggräfe an immediate opportunity to stake her claim.[2] With at least one more year on her Liverpool contract, this loan could help rebuild her reputation amid the controversy.[3]

The transfer aligns with Liverpool's strategy during the quiet January window, focusing on squad reshaping for the women's team while the men's side eyes summer deals like Jeremy Jacquet.[3] Borggräfe, now officially with Leverkusen per Wikipedia, aims to leverage this spell for a strong resurgence.[4]

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