An enhancement to the VfL squad: Winger Renato Steffen makes the move from reigning Swiss champions FC Basel to VfL Wolfsburg. The details of the transfer remain undisclosed. The 26-year-old midfielder, who has signed on in Wolfsburg until 2021, made a total of 149 Swiss Super League appearances, during which he scored 35 goals and provided 36 assists. In addition, the man born in Aargau also made 26 Champions League and Europa League appearances (five goals/five assists). The midfield-man has also won five caps with the Swiss national team. Steffen was a Swiss championship winner with FC Basel in 2016 and 2017, adding the domestic Swiss cup to his title successes in 2017.
"Prove himself in the Bundesliga"
"We’ve had an eye on Renato Steffen for quite some time. We initially wanted to sign him last summer, but the transfer didn’t materialise at the time. That considered, we are all the happier that it has worked out now. Renato has gathered a great deal of experience in Switzerland and he is now determined to prove himself in the Bundesliga. I have consistently emphasized, that we will only become active on the transfer market when we can sign a player who can make us better. Renato Steffen is exactly that type of player," insisted VfL Sporting director Olaf Rebbe. Head-coach Martin Schmidt emphasised: "I have followed his progress thus far. Renato has developed very well at FC Basel and become an important leader within the team. He is a mentally strong player – a fighter – who consistently gives his all and is characterized by his efficiency and determination."
The number 8 jersey
Steffen, who is expected to train with his new team mates for the first time on Wednesday and has claimed the number 8 jersey, emphasised how special it is to make the move to Wolfsburg as a Swiss international. "I am delighted about having the opportunity to play for VfL Wolfsburg. VfL boast a very positive reputation in Switzerland, not least as players such as Diego Benaglio, Ricardo Rodriguez or Timm Klose made their breakthroughs here. My goal now is to help the team as quickly as I possibly can."
