Football
Stephan Uersfeld, Germany correspondent 7y

Julian Draxler has 'weak character' and I would not sign him - Lothar Matthaus

Former Germany captain Lothar Matthaus has warned clubs against signing Wolfsburg's Julian Draxler, saying he has a "weak character."

Draxler, 23, appears to be nearing an exit from Wolfsburg less than 18 months after joining from Schalke.

The club are facing a relegation battle but are reportedly prepared to do so without the Germany international.

"He is also to be held responsible for where Wolfsburg stand right now," Matthaus wrote in his weekly column for Sport Bild.

"I say very clearly: I would currently not sign Draxler as a top club because of his weak character.

"He might be a talent, but he has not shown he can make a difference at the highest level on a permanent basis."

In the summer, Draxler was denied a move after a controversial interview in which he hit out at sporting director Klaus Allofs for denying his wish to leave.

Although he is under contract until 2020 and is believed to a have a €75 million release clause to be activated next summer, Matthaus believes Wolfsburg would be happy to recoup the €40m they paid for him.

Last weekend, Draxler was benched by Wolfsburg coach Valerien Ismael and booed by fans after coming on as a substitute.

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