Image:Bernd Leno: The goalkeeper has signed a long-term contract with Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen have announced the signing of Bernd Leno on a long-term contract from Stuttgart.
Goalkeeper under contract until 2017
Bayer Leverkusen have announced the signing of Bernd Leno on a long-term contract from Stuttgart.
The 19-year-old had arrived at last season's Bundesliga runners-up in August on an initial four-month loan as cover for the injured Rene Adler.
Leno had been in outstanding form and had made little secret of his desire to stay at Leverkusen, who had been squabbling with Stuttgart over a potential permanent signing.
A deal has now been agreed for the teenager and it will keep him under contract at Leverkusen, who have reached the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League, until 2017.
"I feel good here and am thankful to be playing in the Bundesliga and the Champions League," Leno said in a statement. "I want to pay back this trust in me."
Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Voller also thinks Leno has a bright future with the club.
"With Bernd Leno we have managed to secure the services of one of Germany's top goalkeeping talents on a long-term basis," said Voller.
The former Germany international added: "He has done an outstanding job replacing injured Rene Adler and has a large share in the success of reaching the Champions League round of 16."
