Juventus nabs Howedes on season-long loan with option to buy

Germany international Benedikt Howedes is off to Juventus, joining the six-time defending Scudetto holder on a season-long loan from Schalke.

Juventus announced the move Wednesday with a statement on its website, adding that the initial €3.5-million temporary deal includes a club option to buy the 29-year-old centre-half at season's end should he make no fewer than 25 competitive appearances.

"Juventus has the right to definitively acquire the player starting from 1 July 2018, or will be obliged to do so if the player completes 25 or more appearances during the 2017-18 football season, for a consideration of €13 million, to be paid in two financial years," the statement specified.

"The permanent transfer fee may increase for a maximum €3 million on achieving challenging team performances within 30 June 2020."

A World Cup winner with Jogi Low's Die Mannschaft, Howedes' move to Turin boosts a backline that bid adieu to Leonardo Bonucci this summer, and with Andrea Barzagli experiencing an age-induced drop in form last season, the versatile defender is sure to make an immediate impact in Serie A.

Howedes is also able to ply his trade at both full-back positions, a benefit to Max Allegri's squad considering erratic tandem Stephan Lichtsteiner and Mattia De Sciglio were set to platoon under the Italian gaffer's tutelage this season at right-back.