Bayer Leverkusen announced on Thursday that they have completed two signings. They signed Claudio Echeverri and Loic Bardet from Manchester City and Sevilla respectively, with Echeverri joining on loan.

Claudio Echeverri

At just 19 years old, Claudio Echeverri primarily plays as an attacking midfielder and is widely considered one of Argentina's rising stars. He graduated from River Plate's youth system and made his senior debut in the Argentine Primera Division on June 22, 2023.

In January 2025, Etcheverri officially joined Manchester City for 18.5 million euros. However, he only played 3 times for Manchester City and scored 1 goal.

Due to a lack of playing time, Echeverri decided to join Leverkusen on loan this summer. He will play for Leverkusen until the end of the 2025/26 season and there is no buyout clause in his contract.

The official also confirmed that Echeverri will wear the No. 9 jersey during the loan period.

Regarding Echeverri's arrival, Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes commented: "Claudio Echeverri is a technically outstanding and energetic player who is good at moving flexibly in the opponent's half-spaces, thus constantly creating threats."

“He’s a fantastic player – a brilliant dribbler, a direct attacking style and someone who always gets his teammates involved in the build-up. Fans go out to the stadium to see players like Claudio. His creativity will add a new dimension to our game.”

Echeverri said: "It's great for me to take the next step in my career with the 2024 German champions in the Bundesliga and the Champions League. I hope to get enough playing time and grow into a better player every week. At Leverkusen, many young talents have grown into top players. I hope to follow the same path in the new season and contribute to Leverkusen's ambitious goals."

Loic Bardet

Loic Bardet, a 25-year-old French defender standing 6'1", has played for Le Havre, Lens, Rennes, and Nottingham Forest. He joined Sevilla on a loan-to-buy basis in June 2023 and has made 93 appearances, scoring three goals and providing two assists, winning the 2022/23 Europa League with the club.

For Leverkusen, Bardet's arrival is expected to fill the vacancy left by Jonathan Tah after his transfer to Bayern Munich. They paid a transfer fee of at least 25 million euros and signed a contract with Bardet until June 30, 2030.

There are also reports that Badei will wear the No. 5 jersey at Leverkusen.

Following the transfer, Simon Rolfes said: "With the arrival of Loic Bardet, we have acquired a young but experienced centre-back. He has played against world-class strikers in La Liga."

"Loic is extremely tough in physical confrontation and has excellent reading of the game. His signing will undoubtedly greatly improve our defensive strength. With such a defense, we are fully capable of competing at the highest level."

Bardet added: "The Bundesliga and German football are very attractive to me. Leverkusen has gained great international recognition in recent years. I often see them on TV, especially in European competitions. Leverkusen's home stadium and fans are very impressive. It will be very interesting to fight for the championship with Leverkusen in this context."