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Transfer season is back as we ring in 2013. While many rumors have swirled over the addition of a star striker, or who may depart, one of the biggest reports comes over a player who would join after the season. Schalke Star Lewis Holtby, whose contract ends at the conclusion of the 2012-13 season, has reportedly told Die Königsblauen that he will not return to the club next season. Per FIFA rules, that has opened him up to sign a pre-contract for after the season expires.
Multiple reports have Tottenham Hotspur leading the race to sign the young attacking midfielder. Holtby, 22, has earned plaudits in both leading Schalke and captaining the German U-21 side. A strong all-around player, Holtby has shown a skill to distribute from deep, as well as make great attacking runs into the box. However, it would appear that Holtby's arrival would further marginalize Gylfi Sigurdsson, Tottenham's current young attacking midfielder.
If Holtby signs a pre-contract with Spurs, it could very well force Schalke to look to collect a small fee to move him in January, rather than losing him for nothing. As Spurs push for fourth place, Holtby would undoubtedly be an asset in improving the team.
What do you think of this potential move? And how much would you pay to get him in January versus getting him for free after the season? Sound off below: