Patrik Schick seals move to Bayer 04

"In Patrik Schick, we have brought in an internationally known central striker who has very impressively and consistently demonstrated his qualities as a striker both in Serie A and in the Bundesliga," said Bayer 04 sporting managing director Rudi Völler about the signing. "Patrik's penetration and strength in finishing will be good for our attacking game. And he will have teammates alongside him who will be able to bring him and his strengths to the fore.”

Sporting director Simon Rolfes sees Schick as a "classic central striker – technically adept, strong in the air and with the ability to hold onto and win the ball," Rolfes said. "Patrik can also read the game and as a special sense for the right position in the box. With him in the team, we will be difficult to work out and to defend against."

For the Prague-born striker, who has scored nine goals in 22 internationals for the Czech Republic, Leverkusen are "very exciting club. I saw for myself in the games against Leipzig what a great team Bayer 04 have. They play an attacking game with aggression – those are things I like and that fit in with my idea of football," declared Schick. "Bayer 04 are a top club in the Bundesliga. And I'm very happy to be able to carry on in Germany and play for this club in Europe."