Schalke sign Lille´s Mendyl to end left-back hunt

Schalke’s search for a left-back has culminated in the signing of Hamza Mendyl from Lille on a five-year contract.

The Bundesliga side had been linked with Tottenham defender Danny Rose, but those rumours have been definitively quashed with the capture of Morocco international Mendyl.

The 20-year-old was included in his country’s World Cup squad despite boasting just 13 appearances in Ligue 1.

He will compete with Baba Rahman for a starting berth as Bastian Oczipka recovers from a groin operation.

Schalke boss Domenico Tedesco claimed Mendyl had long been identified as a transfer target.

“We have been monitoring Hamza for a while now and are very happy to have closed the deal,” Tedesco said.

“He provides exactly what we want from a left back – athleticism, dynamism, solidity and attacking impetus. We are hugely excited to elevate this great talent to the next level.”

Mendyl made 11 first-team starts in all competitions for Lille last season.

 New signing @HamzaMendyl27:

“I’m delighted to have signed for such a big club. With Domenico Tedesco, I’ve got a coach who is renowned for improving players. I want to keep developing and play an important role in all three campaigns for Schalke 04 this season.” #s04 pic.twitter.com/oHv0DHEhPB

— FC Schalke 04 (@s04_en) August 17, 2018