Brandt was also linked with Bayern Munich
Bayer Leverkusen’s Julian Brandt was linked with a move away from the club with Liverpool being the most interested. Jurgen Klopp planning to bolster his squad this summer and Brandt was one of his targets.
But Liverpool have suffered blow in their pursuit of the 21 year old as he has extended his contract with Leverkusen until 2021 which includes a significant pay rise.
Brandt has become a mainstay in Leverkusen’s first team and the club was reluctant to lose one of their prized assets this summer. Though the winger still had 1 year in his contract but the club was worried by the interest in him from England and moved quickly to ward off any potential bids.
“I feel totally comfortable and I see something super big growing here,” Brandt told his club’s official website .
“This has recently been shown to me by the recent contract renewals of Jonathan Tah and Lars Bender.
“The two of them, just like me, are convinced they can achieve something with this team.”
Leverkusen’s sporting director Rudi Voller praised Brandt for rejecting the chance to join other “top-class European clubs”.
“Julian was already an exceptional player when he came to us as a 17-year-old,” said the former Germany striker.
“His current level, however, he would have achieved less quickly without the extensive playing time that he has received from us.
“He had to prove himself early and he did a great job. We are very pleased that he has again decided [to sign] for Bayer Leverkusen, despite a variety of other opportunities at top-class European clubs.
“That shows Julian’s character, his great ambition and courage.”
Brandt has scored six goals from 28 league appearances for Bayer Leverkusen.
Read Also: Bayern Munich sign-over Chelsea, LFC and Man United’s summer target.
