Bayer Leverkusen completes shock move for Lucas Vázquez as a free agent

Bayer Leverkusen have completed the signing of experienced right-back Lucas Vázquez on a free transfer, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Spaniard started his career at Real Madrid; he made his first-team debut in 2015 after a season on loan at Espanyol, making his La Liga debut with the latter.

Since returning to Real Madrid in 2015, he has appeared in 402 matches for the club in all competitions, scoring 38 times and providing 73 assists.

He has won 23 major trophies, including five Champions Leagues and four La Liga titles.

The 34-year-old contributed with seven appearances in the 2015/16 season’s UEFA Champions League, as the tournament ended in a win for Los Blancos.

In the final against Atlético Madrid, he again came on as a sub late into the second half of a 1–1 draw and converted his attempt in the penalty shootout triumph.

Vázquez started the 2016 UEFA Super Cup against fellow Spaniards Sevilla, providing an assist to Sergio Ramos in injury time to take the game to extra time, where Real Madrid eventually won 3–2.

The right-back appeared 33 times during 2016/17 and scored twice, helping Real Madrid to its first league in five years.

He added ten matches in the campaign’s Champions League, scoring once in the group stage, as his team also conquered the latter tournament.

Vázquez made ten appearances during the 2017/18 Champions League and added one goal when Real Madrid won their third consecutive and 13th overall title in the competition.

He represented Spain at Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup.

Due to the departure of Jeremie Frimpong to Liverpool, the German side have opted for an experienced figure in their backline to nurture new signings Jarell Quansah and Loïc Badé.