Patrik Schick extends Leverkusen contract

Schick has scored 37 times in 67 competitive appearances since moving to Leverkusen from Roma two years ago, and was the club's leading marksman in 2021/22 with 24 goals as Bayer secured UEFA Champions League football after finishing third in the final standings.

"I just feel good here, but above all, our team has promise for the future. It's a lot of fun with these guys," the 26-year-old striker said of his extension. "Qualifying for the Champions League is a good next step. A lot is possible here, which is exactly why I extended my contract at Bayer 04."

Schick was second only to Robert Lewandowski (35) for goals last season, despite playing in 27 games compared to his Bayern Munich counterpart's 34. Among his haul were four braces and a four-goal second-half salvo in a 7-1 rout of Greuther Fürth. He averaged a goal every 87 minutes across the campaign.

Schick also finished a tie for first with Cristiano Ronaldo at the top of the rearranged UEFA 2020 Euro scoring charts on five goals, whilst scoring the Goal of the Tournament from 49.7 yards - the furthest strike ever recorded at the European Championships - in a group game against Scotland.

The 33-time Czech Republic international previously played for RB Leipzig - scoring 10 goals in 22 Bundesliga games during a 2019/20 loan spell - in Italy with Sampdoria and Roma and for Sparta and Bohemians Prague in his homeland.

Watch: The Best Of Patrik Schick

"For me, Patrik Schick is currently one of the best centre-forwards in the world. Renewing with him is a real sign of intent on our part," commented outing Leverkusen CEO Rudi Völler, who will officially step down on 1 July 2022.

"He knows that he has great teammates with us who can play balls from all positions and who can develop his strengths to the max. I'm looking forward to seeing him in a Leverkusen shirt for years to come."