Bayer Leverkusen has signed Bernd Leno until 2017, giving the talented 19-year-old goalkeeper who came on loan from Stuttgart a long-term deal.
The move throws into doubt the future of Germany goalkeeper Rene Adler, who is recovering from knee surgery and whose contract with Leverkusen expires at the end of the season.
Adler was Germany's starting goalkeeper until a shoulder injury ruled him out of the 2010 World Cup. His place was taken by Manuel Neuer, now with Bayern Munich.
When a knee injury and surgery ruled out Adler for several months going into the season, Leverkusen brought in Leno, who was a backup in Stuttgart. Leno's loan deal was set to expire in December.
''With Bernd Leno, we've made sure of gaining the long-term services of one of the outstanding goalkeeping talents of Germany,'' Leverkusen director Rudi Voeller said Wednesday. ''He has been an excellent deputy for the injured Rene Adler and played a major role in making us reach the last 16 in the Champions League.
Leverkusen managing director Wolfgang Holzhaeuser said Leno earned the long-term contract with his good performances.
''I am grateful that Leverkusen has given me the chance to play in the Bundesliga and in the Champions League,'' Leno said.
No details of the deal between Leverkusen and Stuttgart were given, but Bild newspaper estimated the transfer fee at up to ?8 million ($10.73 million). Leno still had 2 1/2 years on his contract with Stuttgart.
Voeller told Wednesday's edition of Sport-Bild weekly that it was ''unlikely'' Adler would stay in Leverkusen if Leno's deal came through.
