Schalke sign Oczipka to replace Kolasinac
Schalke have moved quickly to replace the Arsenal-bound Sead Kolasinac, signing left-back Bastian Oczipka on a three-year contract from Eintracht Frankfurt.
“Bastian is a reliable left-back, who has a lot of Bundesliga experience,” said Royal Blues coach Domenico Tedesco. “He has the ability to defend his flank as an overlapping full-back and is also a danger going forward. We’re very glad to have him.”
Oczipka had arguably his best season to date in 2016/17, enjoying 11 clean sheets in his 33 starts as well as chipping in with a goal and four assists for the Eagles.
“I’m look forward to a new challenge,” said the 28-year-old. “Domenico Tedesco and [sporting director] Christian Heidel have been very enthusiastic about their plans for Schalke. I would also like to thank everyone at Eintracht for five very nice years.”