Leverkusen signs 18-year-old Argentine center Alejo Zarco for free, contract expires in 2029

Bayer Leverkusen officially announced that the 18-year-old Argentine center forward Alejo Zarco has completed the transfer as a free agent from today. He will wear the No. 18 jersey and the contract period will last until June 2029.

Alejo Sarco came from the youth training of Sarsfield and made his debut for the first team in the Argentine Professional League Cup on March 30, 2024. He made a total of 9 appearances in Sarsfield, scoring 1 goal and providing 1 assist.

However, Sarco has not been given a chance to play since he was fired by Sarsfield in June last year because he refused to extend his contract, which was originally scheduled to expire on December 31, 2024, for two years. Sarsfield also expressed his dissatisfaction with Sarco. He expressed strong dissatisfaction with the behavior of the player and his agent, believing that they ignored the club's huge investment in their career development in pursuit of economic interests and lacked due gratitude.

Regarding Sarco's joining, Leverkusen sports director Simon Rolfes explained: "Alejo Sarco is the hope for the future of Bayer 04 Leverkusen. He is a skilled player. Fast, flexible, and aggressive. His excellent finishing ability perfectly fits the characteristics of a modern center. Alejo has a bright future in his career. "

Sarko said: "Moving to Leverkusen is an important step for me to move to a top European club and it has always been my dream. Bayer 04 has been interested in me for a long time, so I have been paying close attention to the club's progress last season. I am very excited to be part of Leverkusen and it will be a great challenge to strengthen the team with my qualities.”

In a subsequent interview, Sarko added: "I chose Leverkusen because it is one of the top clubs in Europe today. I think it has a deep historical heritage and I came here to fight for greater Achievement."

"My expectations are very high. I have arrived at a club that demands a lot from its players and where competition is fierce. I hope to gradually increase my playing time and fight for glory in the Bundesliga and the Champions League. I am very excited about this."