Stirrings from Schalke: Atalanta seek Amine Harit, Bentaleb wants back in
David Wagner and FC Schalke may not be able to refuse alluring offer for their star midfielder. Might a potential departure leave the door open once again for a contentious returning player?
| Amine Harit. | Photo: Sandro Halank, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 |
As reported on German news aggregator site Transfermarkt.de, di Marzio reports a potential sale price of €20 million while Romano suggests that Atalanta’s opening bid may be more in the neighborhood of €25 million. Both experts concur that a conclusion of the deal will prove difficult.
Schalke’s well-publicized financial difficulties, however, may leave the Königsblauen with little choice if the right offer is tendered. Mark Uth’s return following a successful loan spell may leave trainer David Wagner with another option in the ten-spot. Homegrown prospect Ahmed Kutucu may play further back as well.
Controversial Algerian central midfielder Nabil Bentaleb also returns to the Königsblauen following a loan spell with the EPL’s Newcastle United. Bentaleb’s move last season came on the heels of numerous disciplinary problems with the club. In a recent interview with the club’s website, Bentaleb suggested that both he and coach Wagner were amenable to a fresh start.
“A few weeks ago I had a very open and frank discussion with David Wagner. Coach said he was open to my return,” Bentaleb told the site, “I have a chance to become an important part of the team again and I really want that!”
