By Rune Gjerulff@runegjerulff

Simon Rolfes explains how Kerem Demirbay was convinced to join Leverkusen

Bayer Leverkusen boss Simon Rolfes has lifted the lid on how he managed to bring Kerem Demirbay to BayArena.
Kerem Demirbay (middle) with Simon Rolfes (right) and Rudi Völler (left).
Kerem Demirbay (middle) with Simon Rolfes (right) and Rudi Völler (left).Photo: Bayer 04 Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen broke their transfer record when they paid €32 million to sign Kerem Demirbay from Hoffenheim earlier this summer.

Speaking to Sport Bild, Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes reveals how he managed to convince the 25-year-old to come to BayArena along with the club's managing director, Rudi Völler, and head coach Peter Bosz.

"Demirbay is an enormously important and strategic transfer for the structure of our team over the next few years," Rolfes said in an interview with Sport Bild and added:

"Rudi Völler, Peter Bosz and I clearly explained to Kerem over an Italian meal where he should play and how we see him in our team.

"Players have a good sense of how they are valued and which importance they have. They want to know exactly where they are needed. The decision was made very quickly after our first conversation."

Demirbay has signed a deal until 2024 with Leverkusen.

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