Debuted in Champions League
©IMAGO
Artem Stepanov has extended his contract with Bayer 04 Leverkusen early. Although the 17-year-old center forward still had a working paper until 2027, he signed a new contract with the Werkself on Monday. The double winner did not provide any information about the new duration. A loan move to 1. FC Kaiserslautern may be announced shortly.
“Artem Stepanov has developed extremely well with us in Leverkusen, both athletically and football-wise,” said sports director Simon Rolfes. Stepanov played 17 minutes in the 5-0 win against RB Salzburg at the end of November and is still waiting for his debut in the Bundesliga. With the contract extension in Leverkusen he “achieved his first goal. I wanted to recommend myself for a professional career in Germany. I managed to do that, especially at an absolutely top club. What I can learn here is invaluable. I will work hard and fight to take advantage of my opportunities.”
However, it remains to be seen whether Stepanov will take his next professional steps at Bayer 04. Reports emerged at the weekend that the Ukrainian talent was about to go on loan to 1. FC Kaiserslautern. Coach Markus beginning did not want to confirm this after the home win against SSV Ulm (2-1) on Saturday: “Thomas Hengen didn’t tell me that the transfer has taken place or hasn’t taken place. I really don’t know.” The sticking point in the negotiations was recently a purchase option that the second division team wanted to secure, but Leverkusen rejected.
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