More than just a replacement: RB extends contract with Blaswich

Janis Blaswich will remain with Bundesliga soccer club RB Leipzig until at least summer 2026. The DFB Cup winner extended the contract with the 32-year-old goalkeeper early by one year on Friday. "Janis has absolutely earned the early contract extension. He has been playing at a consistently high level for a year with us, gives our team a lot of security and always gets one or the other unstoppable out. With his experience and personality Janis is also in the cabin a very important player for our team," said sports managing director Max Eberl in a club release.

Blaswich had been brought to Leipzig last year as number two behind regular keeper Peter Gulacsi of Heracles Almedo. When the Hungarian tore his cruciate ligament in the fall, Blaswich had to step in and did so to an extent that was not necessarily expected. He has become more than just the Gulacsi replacement in 40 games so far. "I have been able to experience an incredible amount in my first year at RB Leipzig - Bundesliga, Champions League, Cup victory and most recently the success in the Supercup. All the more I am pleased that we have already exchanged views on another contract year and have now also fixed it," said Blaswich.

The contract extension is a clear sign of RB officials. The 33-year-old Gulacsi still has a contract until June 30, 2025. In addition, Maarten Vandervoordt is also already under contract at RB from next summer. The Belgian is considered a great talent at the age of 21 and will stay in Leipzig for at least five years. Thus, the goalkeeper position is well staffed in the long term.