Lucas Vázquez Joins Bayer Leverkusen as Club Faces Post-Alonso Era

Posted on August 27, 2025 by SoccerPunter

Lucas Vázquez Joins Bayer Leverkusen from Real Madrid

Bayer Leverkusen have confirmed the signing of Lucas Vázquez on a two-year contract, bringing in the decorated former Real Madrid player as they embark on a new chapter without Xabi Alonso at the helm.

Vázquez, 34, arrives as a free agent after ending his illustrious tenure at Madrid this summer. In a decade at the Santiago Bernabéu, he collected 23 trophies, including five UEFA Champions League titles, and was part of the squad that secured three consecutive European crowns between 2016 and 2018. More recently, he transitioned into a reliable option at right-back, often deputising for Dani Carvajal.

Leverkusen announced that Vázquez will wear the No. 21 shirt, with his contract running until June 30, 2027. The club’s managing director, Simon Rolfes, praised the signing, saying:

“We have signed an extremely experienced player, who has won everything there is to win with Real Madrid over the last ten years. He has great technique, is well-versed in tactics, a brilliant provider and strategist. Lucas will have a great influence on our game.”

A New Era Without Alonso

The move comes during a transitional period for Bayer Leverkusen, who are adjusting to life after Xabi Alonso. The Spanish tactician delivered the club’s historic first Bundesliga title in the 2023/24 season before guiding them to a second-place finish last year. His success earned him the head coach position at Real Madrid, leaving Leverkusen to begin the 2025/26 campaign under Erik ten Hag.

Alonso’s departure has left both an emotional and tactical void. His leadership not only reshaped Leverkusen into a dominant force in Germany but also established a playing identity that balanced discipline with attacking flair. Replicating that formula under Ten Hag will be one of the club’s greatest challenges.

Can Leverkusen Reclaim the Bundesliga Title?

The opening weekend of the new season provided a stark reminder of the task ahead. Leverkusen fell 2-1 to Hoffenheim, raising early questions about their ability to recapture the form that carried them to the summit of German football just over a year ago.

The addition of Vázquez, however, signals intent. His wealth of experience, tactical awareness, and versatility should provide Leverkusen with both stability and depth, especially in high-pressure matches. Having a player accustomed to winning at the very highest level may help the squad navigate the mental demands of a title race.

Still, the road ahead is steep. Bayern Munich remain perennial contenders, while Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig continue to strengthen. For Leverkusen, the key will be whether Ten Hag can blend his tactical philosophy with the foundations laid by Alonso, and whether the squad can adapt quickly to the change.

Conclusion

The arrival of Lucas Vázquez offers Leverkusen an injection of experience at a critical juncture. Yet the bigger storyline remains Alonso’s departure, which has left the club at a crossroads. The question is not just whether Vázquez can add value on the pitch, but whether Leverkusen as a whole can recalibrate quickly enough to challenge for the Bundesliga crown once again.

If they succeed, it will be a testament to their resilience in the post-Alonso era. If not, the 2023/24 title run may remain a shining yet fleeting chapter in their history.