3. Joakim Maehle
Joakim Maehle hails from Belgian side Genk, but don’t let that lead you to believe that he isn’t primed and ready for a bigger stage. Schalke has a knack for sniffing out talents like this and with a couple, let’s call them leaps, coming up at No. 2 and 1, Mahle could be the most realistic option on the list.
More from Release The Knappen
- Schalke 04: Arkadiusz Milik would take everything, but he’s worth it
- Schalke 04: Ozan Kabak makes Jean-Claire Todibo pass quietly
- Schalke 04: Omar Mascarell the only boost between now and then
- Schalke 04: David Wagner just has to make it to the end of the season
- Schalke 04: At least we still have Weston McKennie
Boasting significant physical presence, strength in the air and a remarkable tenacity to get forward, Maehle carries a lot of parallels to Jonjoe Kenny. Those fearless runs down the righthand side would not be lost if Maehle comes in to replace him.
Adding to that, Maehle shows your typical fullback goal production, getting a handful of assists every year and pitching in the odd goal or two as well. He’s turning 23 next month, so age isn’t a concern, he’s god the physical nature of someone who can make it in a more taxing league like the Bundesliga and there’s really nothing raising a red flag.
This guy, like everyone else on the list, is a long-term solution to an immediate problem.
Moving on to No. 2.