Leverkusen makes French defender Jeanuël Belocian its first signing since winning German title

LEVERKUSEN, Germany (AP) — Bayer Leverkusen signed 19-year-old French defender Jeanuël Belocian Friday in the first new arrival since Xabi Alonso's team won the

German league and cup double

.

Belocian, who has played twice for the France Under-21 national team, arrives from Rennes on a contract through 2029. He played 39 times for Rennes since making his first-team debut in March 2022, including in the Europa League.

Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes praised Belocian's passing skill and athletic ability and said in a club statement that he “has the potential to be an important player for Bayer 04.”

Belocian was born on the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe. His older brother Wilhem is a two-time Olympic hurdler for France who has also won the European indoor title.

“I've been in contact with Bayer 04 for a long time, of course. Being able to join the German double winner now is just unbelievable for me,” Belocian said.

___

AP soccer:

https://apnews.com/hub/soccer