Official: Schalke introduce Seguin as second summer signing
FC Schalke 04 confirmed the signing of another midfielder on Wednesday.
Less than 48 hours after confirming Ron Schallenberg as their first summer signing, newly demoted 2. Bundesliga side FC Schalke 04 unveiled another new midfield addition on Wednesday. Twenty-eight-year-old Paul Seguin will move back to the second division after spending two years in the top flight with SpVgg Greuther Fürth and 1. FC Union Berlin.
Seguin had only just joined Union from relegated Fürth last summer. He was considered expendable after failing to regularly crack Urs Fischer's starting XI. Seguin nevertheless did make 23 appearances across all competitions, scoring one goal and pocketing three assists. Germany's Kicker Magazine reports that Union have received a transfer fee of approximately €1 million.
"What I experienced at Union this year was indescribable," Seguin noted in a statement released by his new club, "We have achieved historic things as a team and I am very proud of that. The values that the club represents are unique and have also helped me grow as a person. That's why it's also very difficult for me to leave Union."
"The sporting management [at Schalke] has shown me in the talks a very interesting path that I would like to take together with the team," Seguin is further quoted as saying, "I'm looking forward to playing in front of the emotional Schalke fans in the arena."
Newly appointed Schalke sporting director André Hechelmann and S04 head-coach Thomas Reis also issued statements praising Seguin's ability. Reis made it clear that he anticipated that the long-time 2. Bundesliga veteran would provide direct leadership assistance in the club's push to achieve promotion back to the top-flight.
"He has a quick grasp of spaces and running routes," Reis said of his new player, "These are exactly the skills we will need to create scoring opportunities and ultimately convert them. He knows from his time at Fürth what it means to hold your nerve in a promotion battle and make the jump to the Bundesliga."