Vladlen Yurchenko extends Leverkusen stay

Ukrainian attacking midfielder Vladlen Yurchenko has extended his contract with Bayer Leverkusen by two years, with the youth international slated to stay with the North Rhine-Westphalians through the 2018 campaign, the club announced Tuesday.

Yurchenko, 22, joined Leverkusen in June 2014 from Ukrainian giant Shakhtar Donetsk, signing a two-year deal, with the club holding an extension option.

Speaking in 2014, club sporting director and former German legend Rudi Voller said, "With Vladlen Yurchenko we have again signed a big talent, hoping that he will make the next step in his development here."

Yurchenko has made just 10 league appearances in two seasons with Leverkusen, though Voller contends that his future is bright. "Vlad has made ​​a big step in the last few months," Voller said.

"His recent appearances in the Bundesliga were very convincing. If he keeps this up, we in Leverkusen will have a lot of pleasure from it."