Szymczak with a new contract

The weeks prior to this unexpected break from training sessions, matches, and club’s daily operations were filled with discussions about the soon expiring contracts of Lech’s homegrown players. Filip Marchwiński, Kamil Jóźwiak, Robert Gumny, and Tymoteusz Puchacz all extended their agreements with the club, giving the fans a reason to rejoice. Filip Szymczak soon joined the group, however, due to the extraordinary circumstances, he had to sign his new contract at home. “This new agreement is another phase of my sporting development. I was born and raised here in Poznań and being able to play for Lech is a true honour and a recognition of my achievements. Nonetheless, I am very aware of my young age and the long road ahead which will require me to work very hard,” emphasised the young striker.

“I have decided to extend my contract with Lech because I believe that here I will have the best conditions to grow. Through my commitment and form, I would like to win more chances to appear on the Ekstraklasa pitches and show what I’m capable of. I’m not afraid of difficulties and I believe that in the future, I will hold a spot in Lech’s starting eleven,” explained Szymczak.

The youngster started his youth career at Warta Poznań, but in 2013 he moved to the other club from the capital of Greater Poland. For the following 3 years, he represented youth teams, including the younger juniors who won Central Junior League Championship title in 2018 and Polish Championship in 2017. In the most recent years, Szymczak started gaining experience in professional football, playing for Lech’s fourth-division reserves. The striker also got invited to a first-team training camp in Belek during which Adam Nawałka watched closely the youngster. At the end of the same season, when Dariusz Żuraw was already appointed Lech’s coach, Szymczak officially joined the senior squad.

The homegrown player is now legally a member of the A team, hence he also had the chance to debut for Lech’s senior squad in the Polish Cup clash with Chrobry Głogów. Throughout spring, he appeared on the league pitches twice (against Raków Częstochowa and Cracovia). However, most of the time, the striker competes for Lech’s reserves – he already played in 18 matches this season and managed to score 4 times.

“We are glad that yet another homegrown player entrusts us with their growth and professional development. We have the time to help Szymczak gain experience and improve as a player; his potential leaves no doubt that he can successfully compete at the highest level of football. Currently, he is being given more and more chances to compete for the first team and training alongside the likes of Christian Gytkjaer is undoubtedly a good thing for the youngster,” highlighted Tomasz Rząsa, Lech’s Sporting Director.

Szymczak’s new contract will expire on December 31st, 2022.