Bender: Hernandez deal proves Leverkusen appeal

Lars Bender believes Bayer Leverkusen’s capture of Javier Hernandez proves they are “an attractive destination” – and has called his signing a “quality” addition.

The Bundesliga side spent just £7.3million to sign the Mexico striker from Manchester United and the move has been very much welcomed by the Leverkusen skipper.

Hernandez spent a frustrating spell on loan at Real Madrid last season, while in five years at Old Trafford the player only made 103 appearances for the club – many of which came from the substitute’s bench.

But the player looks set to play a regular role at the Bay Arena under Roger Schmidt – and Bender has told Bild that the player has been welcomed by his new team-mates

Bender said: “It’s a great story – with him we have got great quality.

“A player like him joining us shows we have more sporting appeal and have become an attractive destination for footballers.”

Hernandez is set to make his Bayer debut this weekend when they face Bundesliga new boys Darmstadt at the Bay Arena, while the club have been drawn against Roma, Barcelona and BATE in Champions League Group E.