Bayer Leverkusen announced on Wednesday that they have renewed the contract of their defensive linchpin Edmund Tapsoba. The new contract extends the original expiry date of 2028 by three years, until June 30, 2031.

Tapsoba, 27, is a 1.94-meter tall Burkina Faso center-back who joined Bayer Leverkusen from Vitória Guimarães in January 2020 for €20.2 million. To date, he has made 267 appearances for Leverkusen, scoring 13 goals and providing 8 assists, winning the Bundesliga title, the German Cup, and the German Super Cup with the team.

Bayer Leverkusen's sporting director, Simon Rolfes, praised the contract extension in a statement: "For the past six and a half years, Edmund Tapsoba has become an indispensable core player for our team. He is also one of the best defenders in the Bundesliga, with performances reaching the top international level. He was a pillar in our double title win, making significant individual contributions to the team's success and playing an invaluable link between all aspects of the team."

"As one of the most senior players on the team, Eddie will continue to play a leadership role as we build another championship contender. This long-term contract underscores our ambitious goals for the years to come."

Tapsoba himself said: "This contract extension is extraordinary for me, and I am very excited about it. In the modern professional football environment, it is rare to be able to play for a club for so long."

He then reiterated: "Bayer Leverkusen means a lot to me. It has long been my second home, and I have made many friends here. I am proud of what we have achieved together. I have had many wonderful moments at Bayer Leverkusen and celebrated championship honors with the team. This is exactly what we will strive for again in the future."

Image source: Internet/Bayer Leverkusen official website

Bayer Leverkusen have extended the contract of 27-year-old center-back Tapsoba for three years, until June 2031.