Maximilian Arnold: Will the VfL star stay in Wolfsburg until 2026?

Maximilian Arnold: Will the VfL star stay in Wolfsburg until 2026?

Maximilian Arnold is a name that is inextricably linked to VfL Wolfsburg. The 26-year-old midfielder, who has been at the club since he was a child, has now extended his contract until June 30, 2026. This decision was greeted with joy in the football world, especially by VfL sporting director Marcel Schäfer, who described the contract extension as positive news for the club. Arnold is not only a key player on the pitch, but also a symbol of the club's identity.

Arnold moved from Dynamo Dresden to the Wolfsburg Academy in 2009 and played there in the U17 and U19 ranks before making his debut season in 2011. At just 17 years old, he became the youngest player in VfL's Bundesliga history. In over 553 competitive games, he has proven himself to be indispensable and has also led the team to remarkable successes: He won the DFB Cup with the professionals in 2015 and was runner-up.

A top performer with a future

With the current season, Arnold is already playing his tenth Bundesliga season, in which he scored three goals and prepared five more in 28 games. Despite these successes, the situation surrounding the contract negotiations is not entirely unproblematic. Managing director Peter Christiansen has made it clear that it is not ideal for players to enter the final year of their contracts without their future being clarified. Discussions between Christiansen and Arnold's advisor Karl Herzog have already taken place, but they have not yet offered any concrete progress in the contract talks.

One aspect that is particularly important in the discussions about the contract extension is Arnold's role as the top earner in the team. While there is uncertainty about possible salary adjustments, there is no doubt that Arnold plays a key role in the team. Not only has he made an important contribution to the game, but he has also shown leadership qualities in the past, even though he missed a few games due to a possible COVID-19 case. He could also soon break Diego Benaglio's club record of 259 appearances, as he has already played 238 Bundesliga games.

The path of VfL Wolfsburg

VfL is doing well this season. The team is currently in third place in the Bundesliga and has only suffered two defeats. The defense is also strong, currently conceding the second fewest goals in the league, only behind RB Leipzig. Arnold himself has experienced both highs and lows during his time at Wolfsburg, including participation in the Champions League as well as the bitter experience of relegation. However, he remains a celebrated player with a proud record and is considered one of the club's best midfielders.

With his contract extension until 2026, Arnold not only shows that the club is close to his heart, but also that he is ready to write many more chapters in Wolfsburg's history. Despite the current uncertainties surrounding other players with expiring contracts, Arnold is optimistic about the future and sees himself as part of a team that has the potential to find its way back to its former strength.

It remains to be seen how VfL Wolfsburg and Arnold will develop further. The club is known for promoting good talent and with Arnold on board the journey is sure to remain exciting. Fans of the club can look forward to numerous further appearances from a player who has remained true to the club's colors and will certainly continue to cause a sensation in the years to come.

Further information about Maximilian Arnold and his extension can be found at WAZ, Bundesliga and Wed Bundesliga.