Lucas Vázquez is starting a new chapter in his career after leaving Real Madrid and signing a two-year contract with Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen. The Spanish right-back, who spent the majority of his playing days with Los Blancos, has completed a free transfer move following the expiration of his contract in the summer.
The 34-year-old defender will now play under coach Erik ten Hag in Germany after more than a decade of success in La Liga and the Champions League. Having lifted multiple trophies with Madrid, Vazquez brings experience, versatility, and winning mentality to a Leverkusen squad that is undergoing significant changes.
Lucas Vazquez: Career Overview
- Full Name: Lucas Vázquez Iglesias
- Age: 34
- Position: Right-back / Winger
- Former Club: Real Madrid
- New Club: Bayer Leverkusen
- Transfer Type: Free Transfer
- Contract Length: Two Years
- Career Appearances: 402 (all competitions, Real Madrid)
- Goals Scored: 38
- Assists Provided: 59
- Major Trophies Won: 5 Champions Leagues, 4 La Liga titles, 3 UEFA Super Cups, 3 Club World Cups
- Spain National Team Caps: 9
- Previous Loan: Espanyol (2014-15)
From Real Madrid Academy to European Glory
Lucas Vazquez came through the youth academy at Real Madrid and made his senior debut for the first team in 2015. Apart from a season-long loan spell at Espanyol in 2014-15, he spent his career at the Santiago Bernabeu. Vazquez went on to make over 400 appearances for Madrid in all competitions, scoring 38 goals and providing 59 assists.
During his time in Spain, he collected 23 trophies including five Champions League titles, four La Liga championships, three Club World Cup triumphs, and three UEFA Super Cups. His consistent performances made him a valuable utility player, often deployed both as a winger and as a right-back.
One of the biggest strengths Vazquez displayed at Real Madrid was his adaptability. He was trusted by several managers in different roles, covering as an attacking wide option or filling in defensively when required. Despite never being a superstar in the squad, his commitment and work rate earned him respect from teammates and fans alike.
In his farewell year at Madrid, Vazquez featured in 32 La Liga matches, though he played a reduced role in international competitions following the arrival of Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool. He still remained a reliable presence and contributed to Madrid’s depth in their successful campaigns.
Why Bayer Leverkusen Signed Lucas Vazquez
Bayer Leverkusen entered the summer transfer market looking to strengthen the full-back position. After Jeremie Frimpong left to join Liverpool and defender Jonathan Tah signed for Bayern Munich, the club needed a player with experience who could step in immediately. Talks with OGC Nice over Jonathan Clauss broke down, and the focus quickly shifted to Lucas Vazquez, who was available on a free transfer.
The Spanish defender has already undergone medical tests and finalized his two-year deal. Erik ten Hag is expected to utilize him in a system that often switches between back-three and back-four formations, where Vazquez’s flexibility to play as a right-back or wing-back will be highly valuable.
When speaking about his move, Lucas Vazquez revealed that advice from former Real Madrid teammate Dani Carvajal and ex-Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso played a role in his decision. Both spoke highly of Bayer Leverkusen’s ambitions, structure, and winning mentality. Vazquez also confirmed that his conversations with the club’s management aligned with what he had heard, further motivating him to accept the offer.
He emphasized that Leverkusen’s hunger for titles matches his own ambitions, as he aims to continue competing at the highest level in the Bundesliga.
Erik ten Hag’s system requires energetic full-backs who can push forward, provide width, and still track back defensively. With Nathan Tella reluctant to permanently fill the right-back void, Vazquez will likely be given significant minutes straight away. His leadership and experience could be crucial for a squad that lost several key players over the summer, including Florian Wirtz and Granit Xhaka.
Fans could see Lucas Vazquez make his Leverkusen debut against Werder Bremen as the club looks to recover from an opening-day defeat to Hoffenheim.
Legacy at Real Madrid and Future in the Bundesliga
Lucas Vazquez leaves behind a decorated career at Real Madrid, where he was part of one of the most successful eras in the club’s history. His ability to perform in big matches, his penalty shootout composure, and his professional attitude made him a respected figure in Spanish football.
For Bayer Leverkusen, his arrival provides both quality and stability at a time when the team is rebuilding. Supporters will be eager to see if Vazquez can bring his winning mentality to the Bundesliga and help the club fight for titles once again.
The transfer highlights Bayer Leverkusen’s ambition to compete at the highest level in German and European football. With Erik ten Hag looking to shape his squad into a title challenger, the addition of Vazquez could prove to be a shrewd piece of business.
Lucas Vazquez’s career is entering a new phase, and fans of both Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen will be watching closely to see how the Spanish veteran adapts to the challenges of the Bundesliga.
FAQs:
Q1: Who did Lucas Vázquez sign for and on what terms?
He joined Bayer Leverkusen on a free transfer and signed a two-year contract.
Q2: What positions can Vázquez play?
Primarily right-back, but he can also operate as a right winger/wing-back.
Q3: How experienced is he at top level?
He made 402 appearances for Real Madrid, scoring 38 and assisting 59, and won multiple major trophies (including 5 Champions Leagues and 4 La Liga titles).
Q4: What role is he expected to have under Erik ten Hag?
A starting/rotational right-back or wing-back, offering overlapping runs, delivery, and work rate in both back-3 and back-4 shapes.