Vázquez signs two-year deal with Bayer Leverkusen after Madrid exit

Lucas Vázquez has signed a two year contract with Bayer Leverkusen, ending a long association with Real Madrid and marking his first permanent move abroad. The 34 year old completed medical checks ahead of the formal signing and will join the Bundesliga club on a free transfer after his contract with Real Madrid expired in July.

Vázquez leaves Real Madrid after nearly two decades at the club, having risen through the academy and made more than 400 first team appearances while collecting 23 major trophies. He spent the 2014-15 season on loan at Espanyol but otherwise remained a one club man until this summer. In recent seasons he operated primarily as a versatile right sided player, switching between the wing and right back to provide cover for Dani Carvajal. Last season he made 53 appearances, scoring twice and registering eight assists.

Bayer Leverkusen’s sporting director Simon Rolfes welcomed the signing, saying that the club had secured an experienced player with technical and tactical qualities who would contribute as a provider and strategist. Vázquez said conversations with former Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso, whom he briefly met during the Club World Cup, and longtime...