Karim Bellarabi has signed a new contract with Bayer Leverkusen to keep him at the club until 2020.
Bellarabi, 24, has been one of the stars of the Bundesliga season so far, scoring nine goals and setting up another five to help Leverkusen to sixth in the table.
The winger's performances earned him his first Germany call-up in October 2014, and he has gone on to make a total of four appearances for Joachim Low's side.
Late in 2014, Leverkusen triggered an option in Bellarabi's contract and extended it until 2017. However, that deal reportedly allowed the player to leave the club for just six million euros in 2016, and it is believed the new agreement has removed such a clause.
Bis 2020 - #Bayer04 verlängt mit @KimoBellarabi! #StärkeBayer pic.twitter.com/kXmcwLSPik
- Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04fussball) February 20, 2015
"I made a huge step forward under [Leverkusen] coach Roger Schmidt. Under his guidance and in his system I have become a much better player," Bellarabi told the club's official website.
Leverkusen CEO Michael Schade added: "His outstanding performances this season put him on the map of many clubs in Germany and abroad. That's why we are all the more delighted to have tied him to the club on a long-term deal. Karim has become a cornerstone of our team."
Bellarabi spent last season on loan at Eintracht Braunschweig, and Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Voller feels the winger has "exceeded all expectations since returning" in the summer.
