Bayer 04 extend contract with youth striker Artem Stepanov

"Artem Stepanov has developed brilliantly here with us in Leverkusen both in terms of physicality and the football side," said Bayer 04 sporting managing director Simon Rolfes. And Kim Falkenberg, as head of recruitment, also has a high opinion of the striker. "Artem has matured and gained a lot of confidence. He has shown that in his appearances in the U19 youth league and also in the UEFA Youth League. He can and should continue down that path. We are very much looking forward to working with him in the future," said Falkenberg.

With his contract extension at Leverkusen, Stepanov has "achieved a first target. I wanted make my case for a professional career in Germany. I've succeeded in doing that and at an absolutely top club," said Stepanov. "What I can learn here is of inestimable value. I will work hard and fight to get my chances."

The 17-year-old has been in the first team squad several times this season and he made a Champions League appearance for the Werkself towards the end of the 5-0 victory against FC Salzburg. Stepanov has scored eleven goals and provided one assist in the U19 DFB youth league. In four games in the UEFA Youth League, he has scored one goal and set up two. Stepanov joined Leverkusen from the youth set-up at the Ukrainian champions Shakhtar Donetsk in the summer of 2022.