Ilkay Gundogan Signs Contract Extension with Borussia Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund have locked down one of their best young players for the next two years as Ilkay Gundogan has agreed to an extension with the club.   

The club announced the deal on its official Twitter account:

According to Goal.com, Gundogan had nothing but positive things to say about his newest contract:

"

I am very grateful that my club gives me the opportunity to continue to be part of this special team and this very special environment. 

I will do everything to help my colleagues again soon and am very optimistic about the coming weeks and months.

"

The German midfielder had two strong years with Dortmund from 2011 to 2013 while starting 48 league matches and posting six goals and five assists in that time. He was a big part of the club's success in 2013, reaching the Champions League finals and finishing second in Bundesliga.

Unfortunately, the 23-year-old player suffered back problems this year and was limited to just one match, as noted by Ryland James of AFP:

His coach, Jurgen Klopp, recently explained that "time has run out" for him this year and that he could also end up missing the 2014 World Cup, according to Sports Illustrated. Gundogan had fared well in a few friendlies for Germany and was hoping to make the 23-man roster.

Despite this injury, the young player has displayed great ball skills and vision on the attack that gives him the potential to be an elite distributing midfielder. As long as he can remain healthy, the sky is truly the limit.

This extension is huge for the club as it looks to hold onto its key players who would be looking elsewhere. As James Robson of the Manchester Evening News points out, Manchester United were interested in the midfielder:

Dortmund have a number of young players they intend to hold onto after seeing their recent success, and Gundogan is the latest set to secure his future with the club. This certainly will make it easier to make a few more additions to once again contend for trophies next season.

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