Bayer Leverkusen have completed the signing of Lucas Vázquez from Real Madrid. Vázquez left Madrid after his contract expired this summer.

The Spaniard held conversations with Erik ten Hag before signing the contract, with the manager explaining the club’s project to him.

Bayer Leverkusen’s managing director of sport, Simon Rolfes, described Vázquez as an experienced player with great tactical intelligence:

“In Lucas Vázquez, we have signed an extremely experienced player who has won everything there is to win with Real Madrid over the last ten years.

He has great technique, is well-versed in tactics, a brilliant provider and strategist. Lucas will have a great influence on our game with his football finesse and special routine, and he will become a key part of our team.”

Vázquez described Leverkusen as the right step for his career. He said:

“Now I’m looking forward to continuing my career at Bayer Leverkusen. I’ve heard a lot about the club from Xabi Alonso and my long-standing teammate Dani Carvajal in Madrid.”

He added:

“My discussions with the management confirmed what I’ve been told: Bayer 04 are absolutely focused on winning, are hungry, and they are aiming for the biggest targets. That mindset coincides with my ideas, and I’m looking forward to striving for more success at Leverkusen.”

The 34-year-old is expected to be in the squad on Saturday for their next match against SV Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga, though it remains unclear whether Ten Hag will start him.