Munich - FC Schalke 04 pulled off one of the biggest transfer coups of the summer to bring back home to Germany after a four-year absence.

Surprising return to his roots

The Royal Blues swooped as soon as Boateng had helped AC Milan secure their place in the UEFA Champions' League group stage. When the draw was made, however, Boateng's eyes were on a different group; the one that included Schalke.

The Ghanaian international returned to the Bundesliga, where he had previously played for Hertha Berlin and Borussia Dortmund, despite being a first-team regular for the Rossoneri and one of Serie A's most prominent talents.

The deal has worked out well for both parties. The 26-year-old has scored five goals already this season, and each time he has put his name on the scoresheet, Schalke have picked up points. Boateng is more than just a goalscorer, however - he's a battler and a fighter, who can also be used in central midfield. In the space of a few months he has become one of the undisputed leaders of Schalke's team and a man whom the club’s fans have quite rightly grown to love.

Player | Surprise package | Rookie | Striker | Coach | Goalkeeper | Transfers | Stopgap

Take a look at Boateng's first league goal for the Royal Blues, courtesy of the official Bundesliga YouTube channel:

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