Argentinier is clearer & dribbler
© Imago
This article was first published on August 12th at 4:58 p.m. and was now supplemented with new information.
After saying goodbye to Granit Xhaka, Bayer Leverkusen could add up in midfield. According to the transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, a candidate is Ezequiel Fernández. The 23-year-old Argentinian had switched from the Boca Juniors to Saudi Pro League club Al-Qadsiah FC last summer for 18.7 million euros, but apparently wants to leave the club again. Most recently, a transfer to Real Sociedad San Sebastián had burst.
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Update August 25th, 7:53 p.m.: According to “Sky”, Bayer 04 and Fernández have now agreed. An offer was also made at Al-Qadsiah. This should amount to EUR 25 million plus bonuses. Romano, on the other hand, speaks of 30 million euros, no additional payments, but of a 15 percent resale clause. If there is a change, this could have an impact on Aleix García. The 28-year-old should want to leave the club.
At Werkelf, Fernández would increase the competition in defensive midfield. The new trainer Erik Ten HAG is currently only available in this position, but Execiel Palacios and García can also be used as six. With Palacios and Alejo Sarco, two Argentinians are currently part of the Rhinelander squad.
“He has a good position game, a sense of predicting actions or intercepting passports, can take good and play good passes. During his time at Boca, he was usually the first passer, the one who initiated the offensive actions. Although he is a defensive midfielder, he is also a good dribbler,” describes Scott Christiansen, Area Manager Argentina and South America, Fernández.
Fernández left his home and his youth club Boca Juniors in the direction of Saudi Arabia last year, where he was set for al-Qadsiah and played 37 games. His contract runs there until 2029. However, he does not want to fulfill it. A departure to Real Sociedad, where he was supposed to replace Martín Zubimendi, has been paved, but is said to have failed due to al-Qadsiah’s high transfer claims. According to reports, the Basques offered 20 million euros, but the Saudis are said to have requested 25 million euros. Fernández ‘market value amounts to 12 million euros.