Juventus confirm arrival of German defender

 

Juventus have confirmed the signing of German defender Benedikt Höwedes from Bundesliga side Schalke 04. 

 

The 29-year-old joins on a season-long loan with an option to buy next summer. 

 

“Juventus Football Club announces that Benedikt Höwedes has signed a on a season-long loan deal with an option to buy, after completing his move from FC Schalke 04,” a statement read on the club’s official website. 

 

“In acquiring Höwedes, the Bianconeri have signed a very dependable player, who up until now has spent his entire career at Schalke. He was named captain of the side in 2011, and went on to make a total of 240 appearances in all competitions for the team from Gelsenkirchen, scoring 12 goals. 

 

“His honours at club level, include a German Cup and German Super Cup, but his CV at international level is even more impressive as he can boast a World Cup in his collection. 

 

“Höwedes was part of a German side, including Juventus’ own Sami Khedira to win the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, facing off against Gonzalo Higuain’s Argentina in the final. Interestingly, he was one of just three German players, including Manuel Neuer and Philipp Lahm to play every single minute of Germany’s successful World Cup campaign. 

 

“Prior to Brazil, Höwedes represented his country from Under-18 level right the way up to the senior squad, winning an Under-21 European championship in 2009 en-route. The German defender currently has 44 senior caps to his name and two goals. 

 

“Everyone at Juventus would like to welcome Benedikt Höwedes to the club.” 

 

 

Only Thiago Alcantara (126) has made more interceptions than Höwedes (119) in the Bundesliga since the start of the 2016/17 season.