Leverkusen officially seal Iglesias loan

Spanish striker Borja Iglesias’ loan-out to Bayer 04 Leverkusen has been officially confirmed. Germany’s preeminent footballing publication reports that the German club has agreed to both a loan fee and purchase option as part of the deal.

After final-stage negotiations dragged on for a few extra days, league-leaders Bayer 04 Leverkusen were able to finalize the loan deal that will see them acquire a short-term replacement for injured Nigerian striker Victor Boniface. Veteran Spanish striker Borja Igelsias was unveiled as a new Leverkusen loanee on Saturday evening.

The 31-year-old twice-capped Spanish international lost his regular starting place at Real Betis this season, but prior to that achieved double digit goal tallies in three consecutive La Liga campaigns.

Stephan van Nocks – Leverkusen correspondent for Germany’s Kicker Magazine – reports that Leverkusen have agreed to take on Iglesias’ salary in full. Moreover, Germany’s red company team agreed to pay a €1 million loan fee to the Spanish club.

It was factors such as these, per van Nocks, that proved the turning point in negotiations. Van Nocks reports that Leverkusen have also acceded to an €8 million purchase option; something that was part of Betis’ initial demands.

“This really is a fantastic challenge for me,” Iglesias noted as his official unveiling, “The team is also causing a sensation in Spain at the moment, many people there are looking at the team, which is currently presenting a really impressive picture.”

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