Germany Under-19 international Julian Draxler has signed a new long-term contract with Schalke until June 2014.
The talented forward was linked with a move to Borussia Dortmund after Lars Ricken admitted he had been impressed with the 17-year-old, but eventually opted to pledge his future to Schalke.
Draxler has just been handed a first team debut as he featured as a second-half substitute in weekend’s defeat to Hamburg, thus becoming the youngest ever player to appear for Schalke in Bundesliga.
Draxler is seen as one of the hottest prospects in Germany and he is slowly being introduced into the first team by Felix Magath, who is famous for giving young players a chance.
With Schalke largely struggling in Bundesliga, the team are likely to turn their focus to the Champions League campaign, where they are set to face Valencia in the last 16 stage, so it is worth noting that Sportingbet pays 2.30 (13/10) on Schalke to qualify, with odds on Valencia 1.67 (2/3) at Bet365.
HOT! Weekly cashback betting offers for different markets 
