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.
Want more Bundesliga Action?
"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.
Related news
5 reasons Germany will win Nations League
Germany have built on a good UEFA Euro 2024 campaign to go unbeaten in the Nations League so far, giving plenty of reason to hope they can win the tournament.
Ex-Bundesliga striker Szalai making recovery
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann expressed concern for his former forward at Hoffenheim, Ádám Szalai, who suffered a medical emergency with Hungary.
Who is Christian Ilzer?
Boasting a superb record in Austrian football, Christian Ilzer is the man that Hoffenheim turned to following Pellegrino Matarazzo's departure. Who is Ilzer though and how has he landed in the Bundesliga?