Bundesliga
After an excellent 2024/25 campaign, star striker Patrik Schick has signalled his long-term commitment to Bayer Leverkusen by signing a new deal until 2030.
Schick has scored 81 goals in 168 competitive appearances since joining Leverkusen from Roma, via a loan stint at RB Leipzig, in summer 2020.
The Czechia forward, 29, was the club's 21-goal top scorer in last season's Bundesliga and the division's outright leading marksman from open play (20 goals).
"With Patrik Schick’s commitment, we haven’t just convinced one of Europe’s most clinical strikers of our project. This contract extension also secures us a leadership figure for our team, with whom we aim to pursue the highest goals in the coming years," said Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes.
Schick was also part of the historic squad that helped Xabi Alonso's Werkself side to a domestic double in 2023/24, when he scored 13 times in all competitions. He is now focussed on playing his part in the rebuild under new head coach Erik ten Hag.
"I like the focus on the future. Bayer 04 is working hard to build a top team for the years ahead. I firmly believe that we will continue to play a significant role in the Bundesliga and in Europe," he explained.
"I want to and will continue to contribute goals - that’s my strength. But I’m also looking forward to being a key figure in building a new, title-capable team."
Watch: Patrik Schick - the making of Leverkusen's super striker
Schick and Leverkusen are nearly at the end of their pre-season, with games against Pisa (5 August) and Chelsea (9 August) still to come before their domestic campaign kicks off in the DFB Cup first round against Sonnenhof Großaspach (15 August).
Last season's Bundesliga runners-up get their league campaign under way against Hoffenheim a week later.