Bayer Leverkusen news: Lucas Vazquez joins from Real Madrid as Aleix Garcia linked with Premier League
Erik ten Hag’s start to life at Bayer Leverkusen has been a struggle, as he looks to rebuild a squad that has been stripped of talent.
The Dutchman has inherited a Leverkusen squad that has lost its best talents.
This summer, the Bundesliga side have lost Jonathan Tah, Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Granit Xhaka and Lukas Hradecky.
Following a poor pre-season, it was clear that clear upgrades were needed to be brought in at the Bay Arena.
Alongside this, a loss on the opening day of the Bundesliga season to Hoffenheim further shows why ten Hag needs these replacements.
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Lucas Vazquez completes switch
After over 15 years at Real Madrid, Lucas Vazquez departed the Santiago Bernabeu earlier this summer.
Leverkusen have been keen to bring in somebody to replace Frimpong, and have now confirmed the signing of the experienced Spanish defender.
The 34-year-old put pen to paper on a two-year deal and will help Leverkusen get back on track in their fight for European spaces.
Vazquez’s experience will be necessary for ten Hag’s squad, that have lost several key leaders this summer in Hradecky and Xhaka.
The Spaniard has experience in winning trophies and winning them well over 400 matches with Madrid.
This is the mentality and quality that is needed at Leverkusen if they are to compete with FC Bayern once again.
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Aleix Garcia linked with Premier League return
After slowly working his way into the Leverkusen squad under Xabi Alonso, it looks like a move back to England may be on its way for Aleix Garcia.
The 28-year-old has plenty of experience playing at the top level in both Spain and Germany, with nine appearances in the Premier League with Manchester City.
Now it is struggling West Ham United who are looking to boost their midfield after a slow start in the Premier League.
Graham Potter’s side suffered back-to-back defeats in the Premier League, to newly promoted Sunderland and London rivals Chelsea.
Currently, the Irons have James Ward-Prowse, Guido Rodriguez and Tomas Soucek as options in midfield, so it is not guaranteed that Garcia will get as much game time in London than Leverkusen.
Despite this, the Spaniard’s passing and defensive ability should be enough to help him break into the starting lineup if he does make a move to the Premier League.
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