Confirmed: Pentz joins Leverkusen
Bayer 04 Leverkusen confirmed the signing of Austrian keeper Patrick Pentz early Friday evening.
| Patrick Pentz | Bayer 04 Leverkusen |
"We had to find a solid solution for this important position," B04 sporting director Simon Rolfes in a statement accompanying the signing on the club's website, "Andrey [Lubev's] timely return to our squad is unclear. We have found this solution with Patrick Pentz. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to get an ambitious keeper at a high level at short notice, with whom we will be well positioned in the future."
"As an Austrian, the Bundesliga is of course of great appeal to me," Pentz himself noted, "Many of my countrymen play here. And with Bayer 04 Leverkusen, I now have the chance to prove my abilities at a top-four club. I will do my part and work hard to ensure that we continue on the path we have chosen and achieve our goals for the season."
Pentz keep guard between the sticks for nine seasons with Austria Wien. He's been capped four times at the Austrian senior level. Leverkusen were, as per reports, able to lure the former Stade Reims away from a move to America's MLS with promises of a future role in a successful club closer to home.
Details on the fee paid to REims were not immediately available.
🗣️ Patrick Pentz: "Als Österreicher ist die Bundesliga für mich natürlich von großem Reiz, viele Landsleute spielen hier. 🇦🇹 Und mit Bayer 04 Leverkusen habe ich nun die Chance, bei einem Top-4-Klub meine Fähigkeiten unter Beweis zu stellen." #Werkself | #Bayer04 pic.twitter.com/OFwzEyCl2l
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04fussball) January 27, 2023