BERLIN, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Burkina Faso defender Edmond Tapsoba signed a long-term contract extension with Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday, easing uncertainty over his future late in the season.

The 27-year-old center-back had previously been under contract until June 30, 2028, but agreed fresh terms more than two years before that deal was due to expire.

Tapsoba had repeatedly been linked with a move abroad, particularly to the Premier League. The new deal makes a summer departure highly unlikely, with a transfer now considered realistic only if a club meets his release clause of 95 million euros.

Leverkusen had faced questions over the futures of several key players if it were to miss out on Champions League qualification. Tapsoba's commitment is therefore a timely signal as the club plans beyond the current campaign.

The defender joined Leverkusen in January 2020 from Portuguese side Vitoria Guimaraes for around 18 million euros and quickly became a regular starter. This season, the right-footer has also become more dangerous in attack, scoring five Bundesliga goals and providing three assists.

Sporting managing director Simon Rolfes described him as "an absolute key player" and "one of the best defenders in the Bundesliga", saying he performs at the highest international level.

"He was an anchor of our double-winning team, with a very large personal share in the success and an exceptional influence as a link between all parts of the team," Rolfes said. "As one of the most experienced players, Eddy will continue to lead the way in building a team capable of winning titles again."

Tapsoba called the agreement "an extraordinary and very emotional matter", adding: "Being at one club for so long is not something you see so often in today's professional football. Bayer Leverkusen has become something special for me, a second home, where I have found many friends."

Leverkusen sits sixth on 55 points with 16 wins, seven draws and eight defeats, two points behind Stuttgart and Hoffenheim with three games remaining. ■