Amine Harit starred for France at last summer's European Under-19 Championship in Germany. - © © imago / PanoramiC
Amine Harit starred for France at last summer's European Under-19 Championship in Germany. - © © imago / PanoramiC

Schalke sign French youngster Amine Harit from Nantes

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Schalke have strengthened their attack for next season by signing versatile France Under-20 international Amine Harit.

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Harit, who turned 20 in June, arrives on a four-year contract after enjoying an eye-catching debut season with Ligue 1 side Nantes.

"This move is a big step in my career," explained Harit. "I've followed Schalke for a long time - Raul, the games in the Champions League and the games against Nice in last season’s Europa League. I'm sure I can develop into the player I want to be at a club like this."

The Nantes academy graduate is predominantly right footed but often operated on the left wing during his first season at senior level. A direct dribbler with an eye for a pass, the teenager's vast array of tricks helped earn him a new contract in January.

In total, Harit played 30 league matches for Nantes in the 2016/2017 campaign and he scored once in 23 starts to help the eight-time French champions finish seventh – their highest placing since returning to the top flight for the 2013/2014 season. He followed that up this summer by netting once in three games for France at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in South Korea.

The exciting attacking midfielder has already starred in Germany during his career, having been named on UEFA’s team of the tournament at the European U-19 Championship in July 2016. Harit set up two goals as France thrashed Italy 4-0 in the final, which was played at Hoffenheim’s WIRSOL Rhein-Neckar-Arena.

"Amine is a technically adept player, he's a great dribbler and he gets stuck in defensively,” said Schalke head coach Domenico Tedesco. "He often looks for the decisive pass in attack and in doing so can make all the difference. We're delighted to have signed him."

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