German football club Bayer 04 Leverkusen has officially signed 18-year-old Argentine striker Alejo Sarco from Vélez Sarsfield on January 2, 2025, completing the move on a free transfer. The young prospect has signed a professional contract valid until June 30, 2029, as the Bundesliga champions look to bolster their squad for the future.
Both the player and the club have conveyed optimism around this acquisition, with Sarco viewed as a promising talent who may not contribute immediately to the first team. Bayer Leverkusen's managing director, Simon Rolfes, expressed high hopes for the new signing. "Alejo Sarco is a promise for the future of Bayer 04 Leverkusen," Rolfes stated on the club's website. He added, "With his finishing skills, he completes the profile of a modern center-forward. Alejo has a promising career ahead of him.”
For Sarco, the move to Europe’s top leagues has been his aspiration. “Taking the step to a top club in Europe is something I’ve always dreamed of," Sarco mentioned excitedly. "Bayer 04 has been interested for some time, which is why I followed the club’s fantastic past season all the more intensively. It is exciting for me to be part of this team in the future, and it will be a great challenge to support it with my abilities.”
Sarco's rise through the ranks at Vélez Sarsfield has been remarkable for his age. He made his first-team debut on March 30, 2024, and played nine matches for the senior team, where he showcased his potential by assisting and scoring goals during his stint. His notable performances include scoring the equalizer just moments after being subbed on during the final of the Argentinian League Cup.
While Sarco is set to compete for opportunities alongside established forwards like Patrik Schick and Victor Boniface at Bayer Leverkusen, his role and integration speed remain unclear at this stage. The striker's arrival adds to the team's depth as Leverkusen pursues another successful season, currently trailing league leaders Bayern Munich by four points.
The club is eager to expand on their success from the previous season, where they clinched both the Bundesliga title and the German Cup. Historically, Bayer Leverkusen has successfully scouted talents from Argentina, having previously acquired players like Exequiel Palacios and Lucas Alario, who have made significant contributions to the team.
Sarco's signing reflects Bayer Leverkusen's strategy to invest in young, talented players with strong potential. With clubs like Bayern Munich posing stiff competition, Leverkusen aims to reinforce its squad depth and sustain their form as title contenders.
With Sarco now officially part of Bayer Leverkusen, the football world will be watching closely how this young player develops and contributes to one of Germany’s most competitive teams.