Schalke sign Klaas-Jan Huntelaar from AC Milan
Schalke 04 have pulled off one of the biggest coups on transfer deadline day by snapping up Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.
The 27-year-old Dutch striker had been linked with a move away from the San Siro, but repeatedly told of his wish to stay in Italy. However, with the high-profile arrival of Zlatan Ibrahimovic on loan from Barcelona and Robinho set to join the Serie A giants, he has moved to the German Bundesliga in search of regular first-team football.
'Never wanted to leave'
Huntelaar told his official website that: "It is true I never wanted to leave Milan but that changed when Ibrahimovic came. Schalke and Milan have agreed a transfer fee of about 13 million euros.”
Schalke head coach Felix Magath told German daily Bild that the move had been completed. He added that: "Negotiations were tougher than expected. I am happy to have Klaas-Jan. He will help us."
The German side have been on a recruiting drive this summer as they have signed Real Madrid legend Raúl González Blanco as well as Christoph Metzelder — both former team-mates of Huntelaar at Madrid.
The club also added Atletico Madrid midfielder Jose Manuel Jurado and Lille defender Nicolas Plestan to their squad today.
Cup winner
Huntelaar started his career with PSV Eindhoven and enjoyed stints at De Graafschap and AGOVV on loan before joining Heerenveen. He later moved to Dutch giants Ajax in 2005 for an initial fee of nine million euros. In his four seasons there, he picked up two Dutch Cup winners’ medals and also enjoyed two Johan Cruyff Shield triumphs.
In January 2009, Huntelaar joined Madrid for a fee believed to be around 20 million euros, possibly rising to 27 million euros depending on appearances. However, he failed to impress and moved to Milan that August.
Huntelaar has featured 36 times for Holland at senior level and has scored 16 goals for his country. He was part of the Netherlands squad which reached the 2010 FIFA World Cup final, but did not play in that match.
Tags: