Bayer 04 sign Exequiel Palacios

"Exequiel Palacios is a technically gifted midfielder able to score goals and he has the ability to involve his team-mates. He fits in really well with our team and the way we play," said a delighted Rudi Völler as sporting managing director about the transfer that Bayer 04 sporting director Simon Rolfe completed over recent weeks. Now a contract has been signed to 30 June 2025.

"We've been looking at Exequiel Palacios for a long time and he’s really impressed us," said Rolfes. In his last game for River Plate he won the Argentine cup and in 2018 the Copa Libertadores and he was in the final of that competition again in November with River Plate. Exequiel has achieved a lot in spite of his young age. He stands out with his football ability and a remarkable mentality," emphasised Rolfes.

The four-time Argentina international joins the Werkself from River Plate ahead of his original contract running out in 2021. Palacios has played 80 games for the top Argentine club. "I'm very happy to be able to play for Bayer 04 Leverkusen, for a club that has been home to a lot of players from South America," declared Palacios. "Bayer 04 have a good reputation here in Argentina. I'm proud to be part of this ambitious club and I'm looking forward very much to the Bundesliga and European games."