Philipp Wollscheid joins French outfit Metz on a three-year deal from Stoke
- German defender Philipp Wollscheid left after falling down the pecking order
- Stoke signed Kevin Wimmer, Bruno Martins Indi and Kurt Zouma this summer
- The centre back joined Stoke in January 2015 from Mainz initially on a loan deal
Philipp Wollscheid has left Stoke to join Ligue 1 side Metz on a three-year deal, the French club have announced.
The 28-year-old joined Stoke from Mainz in January 2015, initially on loan but doing enough to earn a permanent move to the Potteries that summer.
He made a total of 56 appearances for the club but has fallen down the pecking order, spending part of last season on loan at Wolfsburg.
Philipp Wollscheid made 56 appearances for Stoke since joining from Mainz in January 2015
The Potters' recruitment this summer of Kevin Wimmer, Bruno Martins Indi and Kurt Zouma confirmed his time at Stoke was over.
No fee has been announced for his move to Metz but the French club announced he had agreed a contract until 2020.
'A major signing for Metz, who will bring his experience of the highest level, he is known for positioning and his strength,' the club said in a statement.
'Wollscheid also has the advantage of perfectly mastering the language which should aid his integration.'
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