In the space of three days, Fenerbahce have announced the exit of key player, Luis Nani and the arrival of two outfield players to the club.
Change of scenery
The latest of the Turkish club’s recruits is Schalke and Russian international, Roman Neustädter. The defender has been linked with a move away from the Bundesliga club since the opening of the transfer window, and it was confirmed this morning by the English edition of Fenerbahce’s twitter that the deal was finally complete.
Neustädter all but confirmed his move away from Gelsenkirchen two days ago, tweeting a photo with the caption ‘next stop: new club’. The 28-year-old Russian international returned home early from the European Championships in France as Russia were eliminated in the group stage.
Another player lost for Schalke
Neustadter was very much at the heart of Schalke’s defence last season, despite sometimes being recognised as a defensive midfielder, he featured in the centre of defence for 33 of the Royal Blues’ games in all competitions last season.
He made 30 appearances in Schalke’s fifth place finish in the Bundesliga. The defensive minded player can, as stated, be used as both a part of the back four, and a crucial part of a midfield. He picked up just four yellow cards in the Bundesliga last season, an admirable level of discipline for a defender over a season.
Alongside the signing of Neustädter, Fenerbahce announced the arrival of former PSG full-back, Gregory van der Weil. It is evident where sari kanarya are focusing their transfer activities, strengthening the aging area of their defence.
This leaves Schalke without the services of their two main centre backs of last season, as Joel Matip departed for Liverpool before the end of last season.
Matip and Neustädter had a combined number of 64 appearances between them in the Bundesliga last season, and the Royal Blues will be eager to recruit and fill the gaps that the two stars have left at the club.