Bayer Leverkusen sign Santiago Arias from Atletico Madrid
Bayer Leverkusen have completed the signing of Colombia international Santiago Arias from Atletico Madrid.
The 28-year-old right-back has joined Peter Bosz's side on loan for the coming season, with an option to buy for the Bundesliga club, to help bolster the Leverkusen defence heading into the 2020/21 season.
"With Santiago Arias we have signed a very experienced player who will help us quickly," said sporting director Rudi Völler. "Because of the high load in the many midweek games ahead, this transfer was important for the statics of our team."
Arias joined Atletico in 2018 from PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands, where he had played for five years in the Eredivisie. The right-sided defender has also made 53 international appearances for Colombia.
"A great opportunity to take on a new challenge after two great and successful years in Madrid," Arias told the club's website. "Leverkusen are one of the best clubs in the Bundesliga with a very good reputation in Spain. With Atletico in the Champions League, I saw for myself how football is played here.
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"That's why I'm really looking forward to the German league and my new teammates. We have a team with whom we can achieve a lot - I want to help with that."
Arias could make his Leverkusen debut against RB Leipzig on Matchday 2 in the Bundesliga.
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