German playmaker Alexander Baumjohann has joined up with his compatriot Markus Babbel at Western Sydney Wanderers for the 2018-19 Hyundai A-League campaign.
German playmaker Alexander Baumjohann has joined up with his compatriot Markus Babbel at Western Sydney Wanderers for the Hyundai A-League 2018-19 campaign.
The 31-year-old former Under 21 international has made more than 120 appearances in the top two divisions in his homeland, and arrives in Australia following a spell in Brazil with Coritiba FC and most recently Vitoria in the Brazilian Série A.
A product of the FC Schalke 04 youth system, Baumjohann signed with Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2007 where he made a name for himself with a wonder goal against Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga in 2008 before joining the likes of Bayern Munich, Hertha Berlin and FC Kaiserslautern.
Hailed for his ability to unlock defences, Baumjohann has spent his career playing in attacking midfield roles and is comfortable on both the left and right side.
Baumjohann is sure to excite the Wanderers faithful and brings with him a wealth of experience playing on the world stage, including in the 2011 UEFA Champions League semi-final against Manchester United.
He joins countrymen Patrick Ziegler and head coach Babbel as one of the Wanderers’ new faces this season.
The former Under 17 and Under 21 youth international said he was looking forward to the new challenge and experience in Western Sydney and has kept a close eye on the Hyundai A-League for some time.
“I started to follow the A-League a long time ago,” said Baumjohann.
“Australia has nice stadiums, great supporters and it is a very competitive league. A lot of big players have already played in the A-League and I am very excited and proud to play for the biggest club.
Baumjohann also spoke of the influence of Babbel in his decision to play for the Wanderers.
“Of course Markus Babbel played a big role for my decision to sign with the Wanderers but I already knew a lot about the club because of this incredible history of winning the ACL (AFC Champions League) in just the second year of the club,” continued Baumjohann.
“I want to help to bring this great club back to where it belongs. The Wanderers supporters deserve trophies and I hope we can play for the title this season!”
