Ex-Schalke and Bayern right-back interested in a move back to Bundesliga
The right-back's experience could massively boost morale among the S04 squad.
Ex-Schalke right-back Rafinha, who currently plays for Greek side Olympiakos, is eyeing a move back to Bundesliga with the relegation-threatened Gelsenkirchen giants.
After luring former player Sead Kolasinac from Arsenal and amid interest in signing former hitman Klaas Jan-Huntelaar from Ajax, the Blues could now secure the services of their ex-player. Rafinha’s contract at Olympiakos runs until 2022, with an exit clause that will allow him to move on a free transfer, according to reports from Germany.
There has been no contact yet between the two clubs, but the chances of a move cannot be written off. The 35-year-old is interested, as confirmed by SportBild's head of football, Christian Falk.
TRUE ✅ Rafinha @R13_official wants to return to Bundesliga and @s04 @BILD_Sport
— Christian Falk (@cfbayern) January 15, 2021
Not true ❌ True: Schalke has asked management of @R13_official. the player is interested ✅ https://t.co/pOA8MMjfYS
— Christian Falk (@cfbayern) January 15, 2021
Having played more than 600 professional career matches, his experience will prove to be extremely vital in helping S04 escape a potentially embarrassing relegation to the 2. Bundesliga.
The Brazilian played for Die Knappen from 2005 to 2010, registering almost 200 appearances across five seasons. But his fruitful days in the German top tier arrived after his move to Bayern Munich in 2011, where he went on to win a treble in 2012/13 and seven Bundesliga titles, in a stint that was glorious to say the least.