Schalke agree early Streit switch
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Article summary
FC Schalke 04 have bolstered their squad by completing the signing of Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Albert Streit six months ahead of schedule.
Article body
FC Schalke 04 have bolstered their squad for the UEFA Champions League knockout stage by completing the signing of Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Albert Streit six months ahead of schedule.
Early agreement
The 27-year-old will move in next month's transfer window for an undisclosed fee, having originally been due to switch clubs next summer after agreeing a contract until 2012 in November. Schalke general manager Andreas Müller has negotiated the change of plan with Eintracht Frankfurt chairman Heribert Bruchhagen. Müller said: "We have reached agreement about a transfer on 1 January 2008, assuming that Streit passes his medical next Friday."
Injury absence
Streit is currently sidelined after undergoing knee surgery last week, but Schalke expect to have the former 1. FC Köln and VfL Wolfsburg player available when the Bundesliga resumes after the winter break. "Albert is following an intensive rehabilitation programme," Müller said. "We anticipate he will be back by the end of January." Streit will be eligible for inclusion in Schalke's squad for the UEFA Champions League first knockout round on 19/20 February and 4/5 March, with their opponents to be determined in Friday's draw.
