Bayer Leverkusen have announced that Ezequiel Fernández – or ‘Equi’, as he is known – has joined on a permanent transfer from Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah, putting pen to paper on a five-year deal.
An official fee for Fernández is undisclosed, however kicker report the package to be in the region of €30m. The Argentine defensive midfielder will wear the No. 6 shirt, vacated by Odilon Kossounou, now of Atalanta.
Despite his age, Fernández brings considerable experience to the BayArena. At club level, the 23-year-old has 155 competitive appearances in all competitions to his name accumulated during his time in his native Argentina for Boca Juniors and Club Atlético Tigre, as well as for Al-Qadsiah in Saudi Arabia.
Speaking on his side’s 16th signing of the summer transfer window, die Werkself managing director for sport Simon Rolfes was full of praise for the new arrival: “With Ezequiel Fernández, we are getting a very secure passer and strong tackler who, with his power and aggressive style of play, will be of great benefit to us.”
Rolfes added: “In addition to his robustness and physical resilience, he possesses excellent football intelligence – he is clever and composed despite his relative youth. This special combination makes him a very interesting player for us. Ezequiel will increase competition within the squad and greatly enhance our overall quality.”
Fernández too was excited to hit the ground running, announcing: “Now I want to push my career forward in Europe with an internationally highly respected club.”
The Argentine indicated that some of his compatriots already at Leverkusen may have had a hand in his move, adding: “Leverkusen currently have three Argentinians in the squad in Exequiel Palacios, Alejo Sarco, and Claudio Echeverri. They have told me about the club’s culture and the high sporting ambitions here in Leverkusen. I am very confident that together we will achieve significant victories.”
GGFN | Sam Carey
