German international Goretzka extends contract with Bayern

BERLIN -- Leon Goretzka has penned a new deal and will stay with the German record champion Bayern Munich until June 2026, the Bundesliga titleholder confirmed in an official statement on Thursday.

Bayern Munich continues to form its team for the upcoming years as Goretzka is the next cornerstone of the squad to pen a long-term deal with the Bavarians, after Joshua Kimmich signed a new paper in August.

"With Bayern we have won everything there is to be won over the past three years," said Goretzka. "But even better than winning titles is to confirm and repeat these successes. We want to build on this in the next years."

The 26-year-old German international joined Bayern from league rivals Schalke in July 2018 on a free transfer. In 117 competitive appearances, he provided 27 assists and scored 25 goals.

"Leon is a source of energy on and off the pitch. He has a great technique and is across Europe a particularly dangerous midfielder who can make the difference. We are happy that Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka are the heart of our team, and they will be with Bayern for many years to come," said Bayern Munich sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic.

Goretzka has won several titles with Bayern Munich, among others, the UEFA Champions League 2020, three Bundesliga titles and two German Cups. The versatile midfielder is also part of Germany's national team where he marked 14 goals in 38 international caps since 2014.

Bayern Munich currently sits on the second spot, two points adrift of Wolfsburg. Julian Nagelsmann's men will clash with newly promoted Bochum in the fifth round on Saturday.