Bayer Leverkusen sign Ezequiel Fernández from Al-Qadsiah

Bayer Leverkusen have confirmed the signing of Argentine defensive midfielder Ezequiel Fernández on a permanent deal from Al-Qadsiah.

Fernández, 23, has put pen to paper on a five-year deal at the BayArena. A true ball-winning midfielder, he should serve as a solid replacement for Granit Xhaka, who bid Leverkusen farewell earlier in the window to join English side Sunderland.

An experienced player despite his age, Fernández has 147 appearances across the Argentine Liga Profesional and the Saudi Pro League to date. 

"In Ezequiel, we're getting a player with excellent passing and a strong tackling ability, who will be of great benefit to us with his power and aggressive style," explained Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes. "Ezequiel will stimulate competition and greatly enhance the quality of our squad."

Additionally, Fernández joins an already strong Argentinian cohort at Leverkusen, linking up with fellow countrymen Exequiel Palacios, Claudio Echeverri and Alejo Sarco.

Meanwhile, the player himself said, "Leverkusen currently have three of my compatriots in their squad. They told me about the club culture and the high standards here in Leverkusen. I'm very confident that we will all achieve significant victories together."

A real combative defensive midfielder, Fernández will provide competition for similarly defensively-oriented Robert Andrich, whilst simultaneously offering something different to the German's game.

About the clubs

Bayer Leverkusen

BayArena