Aránguiz signs 3-year extension at Bayer Leverkusen

LEVERKUSEN, Germany (AP) — Charles Aránguiz signed a three-year contract extension at Bayer Leverkusen less than two months before his existing deal was due to expire, the German club said Friday.

The 31-year-old Chile midfielder would have been a high-profile free agent amid the uncertainty over when or if seasons can be concluded during the coronavirus pandemic.

Aránguiz said the new deal is “the continuation of a special relationship” with Leverkusen, where he’s played since 2015.

“This season would be good if it hopefully gets going again soon,” he added.

Leverkusen is fifth in the Bundesliga standings as the league aims to return from suspension next month.

Aránguiz has played 27 times in all competitions for Leverkusen this season despite a series of minor injuries and has assisted on three goals in five games in the group stage of the Champions League.