Bayer Leverkusen have officially confirmed that defender Edmond Tapsoba has signed a new long-term contract with the club, ending speculation of a potential summer departure. The Burkina Faso international, whose previous deal was set to expire in 2028, has now committed his future to the Bundesliga champions until 2029, according to the club's announcement.
Sporting managing director Simon Rolfes hailed the centre-back as a cornerstone of the club's recent success. "Edmond Tapsoba has developed into an absolute key player for our Werkself, into one of the best defenders in the Bundesliga," Rolfes said in the club's statement. He emphasized Tapsoba's role as a link between all areas of the team and a leader who will help build a squad capable of competing for more titles.
The extension comes after a season in which the 25-year-old was instrumental in Leverkusen's historic domestic double, forming a formidable partnership with Jonathan Tah at the heart of a defence that lost only one game across all competitions. Tapsoba's performances had attracted significant interest from several Premier League clubs, but the new deal firmly closes the door on any imminent transfer.
Tapsoba, who joined Leverkusen from Vitoria Guimaraes in January 2020, described the renewal as an emotional decision. "Staying so long at one club – that doesn’t happen very often in today’s professional football," he said. "Bayer 04 Leverkusen has become something special for me, a second home." He expressed pride in the team's achievements and a clear ambition to replicate last season's trophy-winning success.
For Leverkusen, securing Tapsoba's future is a major coup as they prepare to defend their Bundesliga title and compete in the Champions League. It signals the club's intent to retain its core talent under manager Xabi Alonso despite the inevitable attention from Europe's elite. The contract extension removes a significant element of uncertainty from their summer planning and solidifies a defensive unit that was the foundation of their unbeaten league campaign.
The move underscores the growing appeal of Leverkusen as a destination where top players can compete for major honours, reducing the need to seek moves to traditional European powerhouses. For Tapsoba, it represents a commitment to a project he has helped build over four-and-a-half years, during which he has made over 170 appearances for the club. His continued presence will be vital as Leverkusen aim to establish themselves as a consistent force both in Germany and on the continental stage.
