Wirtz agrees fresh Leverkusen deal

The highly rated attacking midfielder is currently out of action with a cruciate ligament injury but he can now fully focus on his recovery after extending his link to Leverkusen through to 2027.

Despite only turning 19 in May, Wirtz was one of the major reasons why his side secured a third-place finish in 2021/22. He scored seven league goals and added 10 more assists in 24 Bundesliga appearances before picking up his knee injury in March.

"The connection between Bayer Leverkusen and Florian is already an extraordinary success story," Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes told club media when the new deal was announced.

"Flo is a special player and has great significance for our club. In the same way, we offer him the best opportunities for a fantastic career."

Leverkusen coach Gerardo Seoane revealed earlier in June that the youngster's recovery is going well. He also said he is not counting on the gifted playmaker until after the winter break - although he did hint that Wirtz could even be available by October or November.

Leverkusen and Germany will be keen to see Wirtz back on the pitch as soon as possible following a remarkable start to his career. One of the best young players in the top flight, he was was Leverkusen's youngest-ever debutant at 17 years and 16 days old, and has since become the youngest player in league history to make 50 appearances.

The former Cologne academy player also became a European U21 champion with Germany in 2021, and in September of that year he made his senior debut at the age of 18.

Watch: The keys to Wirtz's game

"The boys here are an important reason why I feel at home here and why everything's gone so well overall," Wirtz said. "There's a lot more to come from us and this club. That's what we want to show all Bayer fans - and also those that aren't!

"The development over the last couple of years has been breathtaking for me, and certainly not something I could have anticipated. I'm well aware that the team has played its role in that."

Wirtz's deal is another bit of good news for Die Werkself ahead of the 2022/23 campaign. Czech striker Patrik Schick - who got 24 Bundesliga goals last season - also signed an extended deal with the club in May.