Profile of new signing Alejo Sarco

“Alejo Sarco is a pledge to the future of Bayer 04 Leverkusen,”said sporting managing director Simon Rolfes at the announcement of the transfer. On the strengths of the young player, who will wear the number 18 shirt for the Werkself, the 42-year-old said: "He is a technically gifted player, fast, agile and assertive in challenges." In addition, his strength in finishing completes the profile of a modern centre-forward.

via Buenos Aires to Leverkusen

Sarco grew up in the interior of Argentina. At the age of 13 he left his home region and followed the call of the top-flight club Vélez Sarsfield who have one of the best youth academies in Argentina. The ambitious striker developed into professional player with the Intercontinental Cup winners of 1994 from the capital Buenos Aires. He made his first division debut in April of this year. Sarco then made his most striking performance to date two weeks later.

In the final of the Argentinian league cup against Estudiantes he came off the bench on the hour mark and scored the equaliser at 1-1 60 seconds later with his first touch of the ball. The final went to penalties and the youngster kept his cool from the spot as he converted his penalty. But that did not help avert defeat for Vélez Sarsfield.

Sarco: "something i've dreamt of"

At the German double winners, Sarco will meet up with his fellow countryman Exequiel Palacios who won the 2020 World Cup with Argentina. The 1.79 metre tall left footer talked about "joining a top club in Europe. That's something I've dreamt of. Bayer 04 have been interested for a long time and I followed the club's great season last term very closely indeed. It's exciting for me to be part of this team in the future and a great challenge to add to the strength of the team with my ability."