Fernándes fills Derdiyok void at Leverkusen

Bayer 04 Leverkusen have strengthened their squad ahead of the new season with the signing of Chile international Junior Fernándes.

The 24-year-old arrives from Chilean champions Club Universidad de Chile for an undisclosed sum and has put pen to paper on a deal that will tie him to Leverkusen until summer 2017. He will fill the role vacated by the departure of Swiss international striker Eren Derdiyok, who has joined league rivals TSG 1899 Hoffenheim. 

Capped four times for his country, Fernándes has also scored eight goals each in the Copa Libertadores and the first half of the season in the Chilean league for Universidad. "We are glad that we could convince this talented player to sign with us and are convinced that with this transfer we have improved our competitiveness on the international stage," said Bayer 04 general manager Wolfgang Holzhäuser. 

Sporting director Rudi Völler added: "Junior Fernándes brings with him everything a modern attacker needs. He is technically gifted and tough, quick and efficient in front of goal. We are sure he will assert himself in the Bundesliga."

Despite last season's fifth-placed finish in the Bundesliga, Leverkusen start their UEFA Europa League campaign from the group stage due to German Cup finalists FC Bayern München and Borussia Dortmund having qualified for the UEFA Champions League via their final league positions.