Bayer Leverkusen have completed the signing of Argentina international Facundo Medina from Marseille in a transfer that could eventually be worth €25m.
The Bundesliga club will pay an initial €23m for the 27-year-old, with a further €2m available in performance-related add-ons. Medina has agreed a five-year contract with Carles Martinez Novell’s side.
The versatile defender can play either at centre-back or left-back and joins Leverkusen after an impressive individual season on loan at Marseille from Lens. He made 26 appearances in all competitions during that spell.
Leverkusen had an opening offer for Medina turned down by Marseille, but the two clubs subsequently reached an agreement, which was announced on Tuesday.
“Making the move to Bayer 04 in the Bundesliga is fantastic for me,” said Medina.
“At the World Cup, Exequiel Palacios told me a lot about the club and spoke very highly of Leverkusen.
“Pala has been here for so long and has enjoyed great success – that’s something I’d like to experience with Bayer 04 too.”
Medina arrives in Germany after helping Argentina reach the World Cup final. He came on as a substitute in the 70th minute of their 2-0 defeat by Spain.
The defender played five times during the tournament, starting three of those matches.
Leverkusen managing director of sport Simon Rolfes believes Medina’s experience, mentality and defensive qualities will make an immediate impact.
“In Facundo Medina, we have signed a highly experienced professional who, thanks to his quality and strong mentality, will immediately be a key player for our team,” said Leverkusen managing director of sport, Simon Rolfes.
“He’s a player who excels in one-on-one situations: assertive and aggressive. His qualities add an important element to our squad. We’re delighted to have him in our ranks.”
Medina strengthens a Leverkusen defence that conceded 47 goals in the Bundesliga last season. That was the joint-third lowest total in the division, behind Bayern Munich’s 36 and Borussia Dortmund’s 34.
Leverkusen finished sixth in the 2025-26 Bundesliga campaign, a result that secured qualification for the Europa League. However, the outcome was not enough to prevent Kasper Hjulmand from losing his position as coach.
Their competitive season begins in the DFB-Pokal on 22 August, when they face Wehen Wiesbaden. Leverkusen then start their Bundesliga campaign a week later against Elversberg.
