On the eve of the Bundesliga season, Subway Socceroos midfielder Connor Metcalfe has signed a contract extension with FC St. Pauli.
Metcalfe's current deal was set to expire at the end of the upcoming 2024/25 campaign but has committed his future to the Millerntor-Stadion.
In two seasons with the Hamburg-based club, the 24-year-old has become a mainstay and registered six goals and seven assists in 65 competitive matches across the 2. Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal.
Last season, he also played an instrumental role, alongside fellow Socceroo Jackson Irvine, in helping the team secure its first promotion to the German top flight since 2010.
Metcalfe, who has 23 caps for his country, was delighted to continue representing the club.
“After a good two years in Hamburg and at FC St. Pauli, I can say that I feel at home here," he said in a club statement.
"Above all, I’m in exactly the right place from a sporting perspective. We have a great team in which I can develop very well, and with the Bundesliga season we have an extremely exciting task ahead of us.
"That’s why it was clear to me that I wanted to be part of this group and this club in the coming years.”
Head coach Alexander Blessin was full of praise for his versatile player penning a long-term deal.
“Connor has everything he needs to play an even bigger role for us in the coming years," he said.
"He is intelligent, goes into duels intensively and can use his teammates or become a goal threat himself.
"These qualities will not only be in demand for us in the coming season, so it’s nice that we can plan for the long term with him.”
Meanwhile, St. Pauli Sporting Director Andreas Bornemann believes the Australian still has further room to fulfill his potential, given his adaptability has prevented him from nailing down one set position.
“With his flexibility and versatility, Connor was an important component of our success last season," he added.
"We see further potential in him beyond that, especially since he hasn't yet played consistently in what might be the ideal position for him.
"He has developed very well with us so far and we are looking forward to taking the next steps with him.”
Metcalfe is set to make his Bundesliga debut when St. Pauli host 1. FC Heidenheim on Monday at 1:30am AEST.