Sawt Falasteen - Schick extends Bayer Leverkusen contract until 2030

"Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended the contract with Czechia international Patrik Schick. The striker has signed a contract to 30 June 2030," the club said in a statement on their website.

Schick, 29, was an integral part of Leverkusen's unbeaten German domestic double-winning squad in the 2023/24 season.

Since joining the Werkself in 2020, Schick has netted 81 times in 168 appearances in all competitions, as well as laying on 12 assists.

Under the tutelage of now-departed coach Xabi Alonso, Schick contributed vital goals on numerous occasions as Leverkusen became the first club to win the Bundesliga without losing a match.

He also lifted the German Cup and German Super Cup in 2024.

"I want to and will continue to contribute goals, that's my strength. In addition, I'm also looking to being a key part of the rebuild into a new team capable of winning trophies," said Schick.

The forward's decision to extend his contract bucks the trend of departures this summer from the Bundesliga runners-up.

Alonso left to coach Real Madrid, and has been followed out the door by star playmaker Florian Wirtz, as well as Jeremie Frimpong, Granit Xhaka and Jonathan Tah.

"With the rebuild in the next cycle at Bayer 04 we see Patrik as a motor of development," said managing director sport Simon Rolfes.

"He combines top-quality ability and an exceptional goal return with international experience and he will give the squad the necessary stability and structure."

Former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has replaced Alonso in the Leverkusen hot-seat as the club start down a new path.

He and Schick will be supported in that project by the recent arrivals of centre-half Jarell Quansah from Liverpool, goalkeeper Mark Flekken from Brentford and German creative midfielder Malik Tillman.

X.Habash--SF-PST