Another extension: Leverkusen tie down Palacios until 2030

Exequiel Palacios has once again underlined his long-term commitment to Bayer Leverkusen by signing a contract extension that will keep him at the club until 2030.

The announcement, made official by the German champions on Friday midday, comes almost exactly two years after the Argentine midfielder last extended his deal, which had been due to run until the summer of 2028. By committing three years before the expiration of that contract, both the player and the club have sent a strong message of mutual trust and shared ambition.

For Leverkusen, this renewal ensures the continued presence of one of the team’s most influential figures in recent years, a player who has played a central role in the transformation of the club into one of Europe’s most exciting and successful sides. For Palacios, it reflects not only his satisfaction with life in Germany but also his belief in the club’s long-term project under the guidance of sporting director Simon Rolfes and coach Xabi Alonso.

Rolfes was full of praise for the midfielder when presenting the extension. He described the Argentine World Cup winner as a “key pillar” of the Werkself and highlighted the importance of his leadership both on and off the pitch. “He has been one of the team’s leading performers in recent years and will continue to take on great responsibility in building a success-hungry and title-capable squad,” said Rolfes. Such words underline how central Palacios has become to the identity of this Leverkusen side, not just in terms of technical ability but also in mentality and professionalism.

Palacios’ journey with Leverkusen began in January 2020 when he made the move from Argentine giants River Plate. Since then, he has firmly established himself as one of the Bundesliga’s most reliable and complete central midfielders. To date, he has made 110 league appearances for the Werkself, scoring 11 goals. His influence was especially evident in the historic 2023/24 campaign, when Leverkusen lifted both the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal to complete a memorable domestic double. In that season, Palacios started 21 of his 24 league matches, scoring 4 goals and providing 4 assists, underlining his blend of defensive steel and attacking contribution.

Unfortunately, Palacios is currently sidelined with an adductor muscle-tendon injury he sustained in September during a match against Eintracht Frankfurt. The setback has ruled him out until the end of the calendar year, leaving Leverkusen without one of their most experienced and versatile midfielders during a busy autumn period. Despite his absence, the club has shown full confidence in him by securing his long-term future, highlighting the trust they have in his ability to return to top form.

Palacios himself has expressed deep appreciation for Bayer Leverkusen’s trajectory in recent years, praising what he described as the club’s “breathtaking development.” Few could argue with that assessment: under Xabi Alonso’s leadership, Leverkusen not only ended Bayern Munich’s long-standing dominance in German football but did so with an attractive, possession-based style that has drawn admiration across Europe. Palacios’ tactical intelligence, composure under pressure, and ability to dictate the tempo from midfield have been crucial elements in that success.

Rolfes echoed these sentiments, noting how the Argentine’s importance has grown with every season. “Palas’ value to us has grown from season to season. His vast international experience, along with his outstanding strategic and individual qualities as a central defensive midfielder, make him a key element in building another highly ambitious team,” he said. That international pedigree includes his role in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph, where he added global recognition to his already impressive résumé.

Looking ahead, Leverkusen see Palacios not only as an essential part of their current squad but also as a cornerstone for future success. With his contract now running until 2030, the club can plan around him as a leader in midfield, helping to guide younger players and maintain the high standards set during the double-winning campaign. For Palacios, the deal represents stability, recognition, and the chance to continue competing for silverware with a team that has firmly established itself among Europe’s elite.

This extension, therefore, is far more than a simple contract renewal. It is a statement of intent from both player and club: Palacios believes in Leverkusen’s project, and Leverkusen believe Palacios is indispensable to achieving even greater success in the years to come.