AMSTERDAM – Already set for his first World Cup, AZ Alkmaar hitman Aron Jóhannsson has been handed an improved deal that adds a year to his contract.
The 23-year-old's pact was set to last three more seasons, but the Cheese Farmers have moved to keep the US international in their colors until the 2018 World Cup.
"We are very pleased that we have kept a mainstay in our team for longer," AZ technical director Earnie Stewart told the official club website. "Aron has quickly grown with AZ. We want to reward him with this new contract for his good performance.
"It's amazing that he immediately became our top scorer in his first full season. Hopefully, Aron continues this trajectory so that he will bring AZ many great things."
Jóhannsson rang up 26 goals and seven assists across all competitions for AZ during the recent campaign. Since signing from AGF Aarhus, the Alabama-born forward has scored 29 times in 50 appearances.
The smooth attacker is currently in US camp getting ready for Sunday's tune-up friendly against Turkey at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. (2 pm ET, ESPN2).
