Bayer Leverkusen announce second summer signing as Mitchell Weiser joins from Hertha BSC

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Bayer Leverkusen have completed the signing of Hertha Berlin right-back Mitchell Weiser on a five-year deal.  

Weiser, 24, has been an integral part of the capital club since joining on a free transfer from Bayern Munich two seasons ago, as the Old Lady currently sit comfortably in mid-table this season in the Bundesliga.

The former Germany Under-21 defender will be Leverkusen’s second summer signing after the club confirmed the transfer of Brazilian teenager Paulinho from Vasco da Gama for £17m.

Die Werkself have wasted no time in bolstering their squad as the Bundesliga club build for European football next season, with Heiko Herrlich’s side currently fifth in the league, though a Champions League place is not entirely out of the question.

Leverkusen sporting director and former World Cup winner Rudi Voller believes the club’s recent recruitments are imperative to building squad depth for the club’s ambitions going into next season.

In a press release on the club’s official website, Voller said: “With Mitchell Weiser’s signing, we’ve taken an important step in extending the depth of our squad and also increasing our quality.

“That has become crucial against the background of our return to European football next season.

“In order to deal with the commitments on the European stage in addition to the Bundesliga and DFB Cup and continue to be successful, we need to have like-for-like and high quality alternatives in all positions.

“Over recent seasons he has shown what a great talent he is. But we can see he’s not yet exhausted his potential. Mitchell has everything to develop into an absolutely top player here at Bayer 04 in the next few years.”

Weiser will don the 23 shirt after revealing his affiliation and affection for the number, as he won the 2017 European Championships for the Germany Under-21 international team against Spain in the final at the age of 23.

“23 is my absolute favourite number. It’s great I can have it here too,” Weiser told the club’s website.

Weiser, the son of the Leverkusen Under-17 coach Patrick Weiser, also lauded over Leverkusen’s style of play, admitting he is relishing the chance to play in an “attractive” team.

He continued: “Bayer 04 are a great team and I’ve always enjoyed watching them. They play attractive, flexible, quick and aggressive football.

“I’m really looking forward to being part of it over the next few years and I want to make a contribution to us being successful in the future.”

Bayer 04 host Hannover 96 at the BayArena in their final match of the season, knowing only a win could lift the club into a top-four finish.