Bayer Leverkusen Close in on Lucas Vázquez Signing

Bayer Leverkusen are on the verge of securing a deal for former Real Madrid star Lucas Vázquez, according to Kicker. The 34-year-old, who is available on a free transfer after the expiry of his contract with the Spanish giants, has already undergone a medical with Die Werkself. The move is expected to be finalized on Tuesday.

This development comes shortly after Leverkusen ended negotiations with Ligue 1 side OGC Nice over a deal for Jonathan Clauss, with both clubs unable to agree on a transfer fee. Instead, the Bundesliga champions have shifted their focus to Vázquez, who brings a wealth of experience from his 17 seasons at Real Madrid, where he made 310 appearances across all competitions.

The signing also addresses a key tactical need for head coach Erik ten Hag, who experimented with a three-at-the-back system in Leverkusen’s recent defeat to Hoffenheim. In that setup, Arthur and Alejandro Grimaldo operated as wing-backs. With Jeremie Frimpong joining Liverpool earlier this summer, and Nathan Tella expressing reluctance to fill the vacant right-wing-back role after covering the position on occasion last season, Leverkusen had sought a reinforcement.

Talks with Clauss broke down, but the arrival of Vázquez now looks set to bolster the squad’s depth and experience in wide areas.