German Bundesliga side FC Schalke 04 have completed the signing of Switzerland international Breel Embolo for an undisclosed fee believed to be around 21 million Euros. The 19-year-old joins the Royal Blues from Swiss giants FC Basel and has agreed a five-year deal at the club until June 30, 2021.
Breel Embolo was a much sought after player this summer with clubs like Manchester United, FC Arsenal, FC Barcelona, VfL Wolfsburg and RB Leipzig having tried to sign the teenager, who played for Switzerland at the Euro 2016.
“In Breel Embolo, we have been able to bring in a highly talented attacker, who already has a lot of international experience and was also in demand at several other top European clubs,” said Schalke Director of Sports Christian Heidel.
Embolo featured at EURO 2016 for Switzerland, playing a part in all four of his country’s games. The 6’1″ striker has won a total of 14 senior caps to date, scoring one goal.
Born in Yaoundé in Cameroon, Embolo began his playing career at Basel-based club Nordstern. After joining BSC Old boys in 2008, a move to the FC Basel youth academy followed two years later. He worked his way through the ranks at the Swiss giants and made his professional debut on March 16, 2014. His very first Swiss Super League goal came in the very same game, scoring minutes after being subbed on in a 5-0 win over FC Aarau.
Embolo made a total of 60 league appearances for Basel, scoring 21 goals. He also notched 14 assists in those matches. The youngster has also featured in eight UEFA Champions League games (1 goal), four UEFA Champions League qualifiers (1 goal), 12 UEFA Europa League games (2 goals) and six Swiss Cup matches (6 goals). He won the Swiss league title with FC Basel in each of the last three seasons.