Schalke 04 today confirmed the signing of forward Maxim Choupo-Moting on a three-year deal, following his contract expiring with former club Mainz 05.
The 25 year old has enjoyed seven seasons in Germany with Hamburger SV, FC Nurnberg, and Mainz 05, but only recently shot to fame during his three year stint at Mainz, where he scored 20 times in 77 appearances, and helped them secure seventh spot last season.
He will now make the move up the Champions League side Schalke, who recently lost Adam Szalai in attack, making a move for a striker the obvious one.
The Cameroonian can operate as both a striker and in a wide left position – somewhere he was deployed for most of last season with the O-Fives, and during the World Cup for his national side.
However, Schalke 04 sporting director Horst Heldt hinted he may well be given a more central role at his new club, stating “He is flexible, but we are planning with him in the first place on a central position in the offensive area."
The 6ft 4 man has just returned from World Cup duty with his country, but could not inspire them as they bombed out of the group stages, losing all three games.
Jens Keller’s Royal Blues start their Bundesliga campaign away at Hannover 96, and Choupo-Moting will be hoping he gets his chance to shine on matchday one.