Bundesliga promoted FC Schalke 04 has found a replacement for promotion hero Ko Itakura. S04 sporting director Rouven Schröder confirmed his intention to sign experienced defender Maya Yoshida.
“Yes, that’s right. We are working intensively on Maya Yoshida’s commitment,” Schalke’s sports director Rouven Schröder told “Bild”: “With his profile, he is a very interesting player for Schalke 04.”
In Yoshida, the promoted would get a lot of experience in the squad. The 33-year-old, who celebrates his birthday at the end of August, has received 119 caps for Japan and can look back on eight years in the Premier League at FC Southampton in his professional career.
In the past two years he has played for Genoa-based Italian first division club Sampdoria, for whom he made 72 Serie A appearances. In the past season, he made 26 appearances in Italy’s top division, starting 19 times. However, the veteran is currently without a contract and could therefore change without a fee.
To the tabloid According to Maya Yoshida, he will sign a one-year contract with the Knappen on Tuesday. He should have an option for another season.
FC Schalke 04 is turning the squad upside down
Yoshida would take over the place of his compatriot and national team colleague Ko Itakura at FC Schalke 04. For financial reasons, the Royal Blues had not exercised the purchase option stipulated in the loan agreement with Manchester City, and the Japanese is now moving to Borussia Mönchengladbach.
FC Schalke 04 have already announced numerous newcomers after being promoted to the Bundesliga. The new head coach, Frank Kramer, will be reinforced by goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who was loaned out by Hertha BSC.
In addition, Sebastian Polter (VfL Bochum), Florent Mollet (Montpellier HSC), Tobias Mohr (1. FC Heidenheim), Leo Greiml (Rapid Wien), Justin Heekeren (RW Oberhausen) and Ibrahima Cissé (KAA Gent) have been signed. Young talent Tom Krauß was also loaned out by RB Leipzig. Last but not least, Thomas Ouwejan, Rodrigo Zalazar and Marvin Pieringer, who had previously been loaned out, have been signed.