Greek Flame continues to flicker at Leverkusen

Theofanis Gekas was sent on six-month loan with Premier League side Portsmouth on Sunday, and on Monday Bayer Leverkusen found its replacement for the on-loan Greece international. Ironically enough an international teammate of Gekas, Angelos Charisteas will replace the former Bundelisga scoring leader at the BayArena.

Plying his trade in the second tier of German football since the start of the current season, Charisteas was rumoured to be on his way out of Nuremberg since the start of last summer’s transfer period. Staying put, however, Charisteas remained a great asset for the former Bundesliga club up ‘til their agreement with Leverkusen on Monday.

The move is reportedly not compatible with a permanent stay at season’s end; with Nuremberg still in seek of returning to the German top flight.

Arriving as a direct replacement for the departed Gekas, it seems Charisteas will be part of a secondary striker unit. While he will likely be starting most matches on the bench, the experience Charisteas has accredited to his name is rather remarkable.

Winning the Bundesliga crown with Werder Bremen in 2005, Charisteas has the experience and talent to propel Leverkusen to the UEFA Champions League next season.

Known for his aerial abilities, Charisteas’ strength in the air makes him a lethal finisher on crosses and set-pieces, most notably through his performance at the EURO 2004 tournament in Portugal.