A loan for Alejo Sarco, who joined Leverkusen on a free transfer from Vélez Sarsfiel a year ago, had been internally decided for the beginning of the year. The Italian first-division club Sassuolo was considered the leading candidate for a deal until the summer. However, the plan was altered after the striker's performance during a 13-minute appearance in the derby against Köln. A new decision was subsequently made that Sarco will not be loaned out at the start of the new year. He will remain at Leverkusen at least until the Africa Cup finishes on January 18, as he is needed for cover while fellow attacker Christian Kofane is with Cameroon.