German Defender, Philipp Wollscheid Joins Stoke On Loan

Stoke City have confirmed the signing of Philipp Wollscheid from German Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen.

The central defender, 25, will arrive the Britannia Stadium on loan for the rest of the season with a view to sealing a permanent deal in the summer.

Wollscheid, who has been likened to Arsenal’s Per Mertesacker made five Bundesliga appearances on loan with FC Mainz in the first few months of the current campaign.

Stokes Make Their First Acquisition of the Winter Transfer Window in Person of German Defender Philipp Wollscheid. Image: Stoke City via Getty.
Stokes Make Their First Acquisition of the Winter Transfer Window in Person of German Defender Philipp Wollscheid. Image: Stoke City via Getty.

Stoke manager, Mark Hughes, said: “Philipp is a player we’ve been aware of and have been tracking for some time.

“He’s got presence, technically he is good, has played at a high level, has gone for big money in the past, and to get a German international at a relatively young age is a good deal for the club.”

The two-time Germany international made his debut in a friendly game against Ecuador in May 2013.