Bayer Leverkusen Sign Junior Fernandes

Bayer Leverkusen have announced the signing of Junior Fernandes on a five year deal that will keep him at Leverkusen through June 2017. The transfer fee was not disclosed, but the estimated figure is around €4.7 million.

Fernandes, 24, scored 8 goals in 17 league appearances for Universidad de Chile in the Chilean Apertura helping them win the title. The club advanced to the semifinals of the 2012 Copa Libertadores before bowing out to runners up Boca Juniors. Fernandes was the fourth leading goalscorer in the competition with 6 goals.

"Junior Fernandes has everything a modern striker needs. He's technically strong, tough, quick and composed in front of goal," sporting director Rudi Völler said. "We're convinced he'll make his mark in the Bundesliga."

With the departure of Eren Derdiyok to 1899 Hoffenheim, Fernandes will likely fill in the left attacking position previously occupied by Derdiyok. After a second place finish in 2010-11, Leverkusen failed to impress and finished a disappointing fifth out of the Champions League places. Fernandes has appeared six times for the Chile national team but has failed to score.