German star Draxler joins Ahli from PSG

Qatar Stars League side Al Ahli have made a major signing after German international Julian Draxler joined them from Paris Saint-Germain on Monday. The midfielder, who has signed a two-year contract, was unveiled at the Al Thumama Stadium on Monday. “We welcome Julian Draxler, who is a great addition to our club,” said Chairman of the Board of Directors of Al Ahli Club Abdullah Yousef al-Mulla after signing the contract.
He hoped the new recruit would boost Al Ahli’s campaign in the ongoing season. The Brigadiers have had an abysmal start losing all their first three games in Qatar’s top flight.
“Draxler’s inclusion means a lot for Al Ahli as we are looking for best results to make our fans happy. I would like to thank the authorities who helped in his transfer,” al-Mulla added.
Draxler thanked the club for a warm welcome, hoping to give his best for the side. “I will make all-out effort to add quality in our performance and help my team achieve the desirable results,” said Draxler, who will turn 30 tomorrow.
Draxler still had a year to run on his contract at PSG. “The club would like to wish Julian all the best for the rest of his career,” PSG said in a statement.
Draxler’s move to Qatar from PSG follows that of Italy midfielder Marco Verratti, who joined Al Arabi last week for a fee of close to 50mn euros ($53.3mmn). Senegal defender Abdou Diallo also left PSG for Al Arabi last month.
Draxler came through the youth ranks and made his professional debut at Schalke 04 before joining VfL Wolfsburg. In January 2017, the midfielder signed for Paris Saint-Germain for a reported 36mn euros plus bonuses. However, he had fallen out of favour before spending last season on loan at Benfica.
At PSG he would rack up 26 goals and 41 assists in 198 appearances. The Gladbeck native won 12 trophies with Les Rouge et Bleu: four Ligue 1 titles (in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2022), four Coupes de France (in 2017, 2018, 2020 and 2021), three Coupes de la Ligue (in 2017, 2018 and 2020) and one Trophée des Champions (in 2020). Draxler, who won the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil with Germany, also boasts a total of 58 caps and seven goals for Die Mannschaft.
Al Ahli will face Umm Salal in their next QSL match on September 23.