Wolfsburg have completed the signing of young German international Julian Draxler from their domestic rivals Schalke 04. The attacking midfielder had been heavily linked with a move to reigning Serie A champions Juventus this summer. However, with Wolfsburg having reportedly bettered the €26 million ($29.1 million at current exchange rate) plus €6 million in bonuses that the Old Lady forwarded, Schalke have forced him into a domestic transfer.
Julian Draxler completes Wolfsburg switch
The German arrives from Schalke as a ready made Kevin De Bruyne replacement.
Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images
It's a smart move from last season's Bundesliga runners-up Wolfsburg, who will be able to use Draxler as a ready made replacement for the Manchester City-bound Kevin De Bruyne. Draxler would slot perfectly into De Bruyne's role behind the striker, though he could also fill the gap that Ivan Perišić would leave on the left wing should he ever complete his move to Inter Milan.
Draxler was once regarded as one of the top young talents in world football, though a mixture of injury and poor form saw him take a step back last season, making just eight league starts. However, at only 21 years old, Wolfsburg clearly feel that they’re capable of rekindling Draxler’s spark before it’s lost forever. It certainly looks like a gamble worth taking.
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