Bayer Leverkusen have confirmed the permanent signing of on-loan Stuttgart goalkeeper Bernd Leno on a five-year deal.
The 19-year-old joined Leverkusen in August following an injury crisis among Bayer's goalkeepers, as both Rene Adler and reserve Fabian Giefer were ruled out.
Leno, who was one of Leverkusen's heroes in last week's shock 2-1 Champions League win over Chelsea, has moved for an undisclosed fee on a deal until June 2017.
Bayer sporting director Rudi Voller was delighted to secure the services of the teenager.
"The signing of Bernd Leno means we have secured the the long-term services of one of Germany's most outstanding young goalkeepers," Voller told the club's official website, www.bayer04.de.
"Bernd has helped us out immensely at a difficult time over recent months. He has proved to be an outstanding replacement for the injured Rene Adler and he has played a big part in us reaching the last 16 of the Champions League."
Leverkusen managing director Wolfgang Holzhauser was also extremely happy at the signing.
"Bernd Leno has completely justified the confidence we placed in him despite his youth and lack of experience in the top flight," he said.
"He has been a key player over the past weeks and months. He has earned this long-term contract with his very good performance."
Leno admitted that signing for Leverkusen is a dream come true.
"I really feel at home here at Bayer 04 and I'm grateful to the club for giving me the chance to play in the Bundesliga and Champions League," he said.
"I'd like to repay that confidence. The club had a number of options but they chose me when Rene Adler had his operation.
"That really impressed me so I definitely wanted to stay at Leverkusen."
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