Khedira signs for Juventus
June 9, 2015
Juventus has completed the signing of Germany international Sami Khedira on a four-year-deal from Real Madrid.
The 28-year-old defensive-midfielder had been linked with Bundesliga club Schalke with his contract coming to an end this summer at the Santiago Bernabeu.
But with contract at Madrid expiring on June 30, Khedira had confirmed his intentions to leave the club in search for more playing time. Prior to Tuesday's news, on turning down a contract extension with Real, Khedira had said "I have decided that it is better for me to change clubs."
"Bianconeri boss Massimiliano Allegri is set to add a players of class, quality and international experience to his ranks, ready to enrich one of the strongest midfields in world footall," Juve said on their club website.
Khedira played 132 times for Stuttgart, winning the league title with his hometown side before joining Real Madrid in 2010 for 14 million euros ($15.7 million at today's exchange rate, more at the time).
The midfielder made 28 appearances as he secured his first Spanish league championship in 2011-12 and went on to win the Champions League last season.
The German's time in Spain has been plagued by injuries - he missed six months last season after rupturing his cruciate ligament. This season, Khedira has missed 19 matches through injury and has only featured in 301 minutes of league action. The arrival of countryman Toni Kroos, playing a similar position but perhaps with a more polished attacking game, didn't help matters much either.
Khedira has 54 caps for the German national team and was a part of the World Cup-winning squad in 2014.
rd/msh (dpa, official)