It is fair to say that Julian Draxler’s time with Paris St. Germain has not exactly been a roaring success with the German international not taking his game to the level occupied by the likes of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe. Now Bundestrainer Joachim Löw is urging the -year-old to leave the French capital to get his career back on track. Could a return to the Bundesliga be on the cards?
Since joining the Parisian giants back in 2017 on a €36 million deal Draxler has struggled to make the impact he’d hoped for. Under German coach Thomas Tuchel he was limited to seven starts (11 appearances) scoring none and providing four assists. In the Champions League final against Bayern Munich he was a 72nd minute substitute. He was hampered somewhat by a foot injury and a virus infection, but the fact that the World Cup winner hasn’t blossomed at the Parc des Princes has to be addressed.
In Germany’s recent Nations League games against Spain and Switzerland the former Schalke star started both matches and national team coach Jogi Löw has spoken out about what he sees as the ideal next step.
“For Julian, at his age, it would be important to take a step to find regular playing time. It’s important for every player to be in action week after week,” Löw said.
When asked about his situation at PSG, Draxler told Sport1: “I will now concentrate fully on playing for Germany. After that, we will see how things develop at the club.”
Should the player decide to cut his losses at PSG and seek a new club there would be a few clubs in the Bundesliga you would think he could switch to. The obvious first choice would be Hertha Berlin, who are clearly attempting to propel themselves to the next level domestically and internationally. Die Alte Dame would certainly be in a position to afford the player and his wages, but they have other positions needing attention. Do they go for the name and the prestige rather than focusing on their main areas needing attention?
Bayer Leverkusen having just sold Kai Havertz to Chelsea for a reported €100 million have the funds and the need for a player of Draxler’s talent and position. The Werkself have also lost Kevin Volland to Monaco, so could do with an injection of attacking/ creative flair.
