With top scorer Victor Boniface sidelined through injury, Bayer Leverkusen have moved quickly to sign Spanish striker Borja Iglesias on loan from Real Betis as Xabi Alonso looks to maintain the club's Bundesliga title bid.

Leverkusen's lead at the top of the Bundesliga was cut to two points on Saturday evening as they pursue a first Bundesliga title in the club's history.

With Boniface and his immense firepower expected to be out until April, Alonso has now moved to bring compatriot Iglesias, 31, to the BayArena until the end of the campaign in order to compete with Patrik Schick and Adam Hložek in attack while the Nigerian recovers.

Speaking after securing the services of the Santiago de Compostela native, Leverkusen sporting managing director Simon Rolfes said, "Borja Iglesias with his football profile can fill the gap left by Victor's absence.

"He is physically strong, is good at winning the ball, is confident in moves, does not shirk any challenges and is good at finishing. He gives us a necessary option in attack to continue our successful season." 

The Spain international, who has scored 56 goals and provided 10 assists in 180 La Liga games, said of his move to Germany in quotes appearing on Bayer's official website, "It really is a fantastic challenge for me. The team is currently causing a stir in Spain with lots of people there watching the team that's making a really great impression.

"I'm excited about the opportunity to be part of that and I will give my all for the success of this team."  

Iglesias has been capped twice by Spain and won the 2021/22 Copa del Rey with Betis, who he joined in 2019 following stints at Real Zaragoza and Espanyol.  

Iglesias will be in line for his Leverkusen debut when the Werkself host Darmstadt next weekend. After a DFB Cup quarter-final encounter against Stuttgart on 6 February, Xabi Alonso's men then host Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga on Matchday 21.  

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