Erik ten Hag secures Real Madrid legend Lucas Vázquez as Spaniard prepares Bayer Leverkusen move

Lucas Vázquez, one of Real Madrid’s most loyal servants over the past decade, is closing in on the next chapter of his career. According to Sky Sport and AS, the 34-year-old Spaniard has already completed a secret medical ahead of a free transfer to Bayer Leverkusen, with official confirmation expected in the coming days.

A product of Madrid’s youth academy, which he joined in 2007, Vázquez rose through the ranks to make his senior debut in the 2015-16 season. While never the undisputed starter, his versatility and commitment turned him into one of the most reliable squad players of the modern era. In 402 appearances for Los Blancos, he lifted 23 trophies, including five UEFA Champions League titles—three of them under Zinedine Zidane during Madrid’s famous European three-peat—as well as four La Liga crowns.

Vázquez bid farewell to his boyhood club at the end of the 2024-25 season when his contract expired, drawing an emotional line under 18 years at the Santiago Bernabéu. Several destinations were discussed following his departure, including a return to Espanyol, where he played on loan in 2014-15, as well as potential moves to Juventus, Fenerbahçe under José Mourinho, and even the Saudi Pro League. Ultimately, Leverkusen, guided by Erik ten Hag, convinced the veteran to embark on a Bundesliga challenge.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported that Vázquez will travel to Germany on Tuesday to finalize a two-year contract with Die Werkself. If all goes as planned, the right-back could make his debut on August 30 against Werder Bremen. His experience will be invaluable to Leverkusen, who continue to build a squad capable of competing both domestically and in Europe.

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