FC Schalke 04 sign centre-back Timothée Kolodziejczak

“In our current situation with four centre-backs out injured, it’s extremely important that we have another option in our squad with lots of experience at the highest level. Kolo has played 240 times in Ligue 1 and La Liga, and has proven that he can be a reliable part of our defence,” said sporting director Rouven Schröder. “We value his versatility. He can play at centre-back or on the left, as well as in a back-three or a back-four. He has already spent time in Germany and knows the culture and what the league is like.”

“I’m really pleased to now be an official part of the club. The team welcomed me from the first day and I was able to feel like more than a trialist thanks to them. That really impressed me,” commented Timothée Kolodziejczak. “We’ve got a number of important games coming up and I will give my all to help us be as successful as we can.”

Kolodziejczak came through RC Lens’ academy and then moved on loan to Olympique Lyon. He made his professional debut with them in 2008 against Paris Saint-Germain. That was followed by a permanent move there, and he went on to appear for the first time in Europe too at OL. The now 31-year-old joined Sevilla after a two-year spell with OGC Nice and won the Europa League in 2015 and 2016 with the Spanish side. He had a short spell with Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2017, prior to joining AS Saint-Étienne, his most recent club. He played 30 times for them in Ligue 1 last season.