Tuesday, 18th June, 2013
Schalke have continued their relatively subdued build-up for the new Bundesliga season by signing up Germany Under-21 international Christian Clemens.
Midfielder Clemens had been a mainstay in the 1.FC Koln senior line-up for the past three seasons, despite seeing them relegated to the 2. Bundesliga last year.
He has also impressed enough on the international level to have represented Germany at this year’s European Under-21 Championship in Israel, playing all three group stage games.
His progress through the Koln youth ranks since 2001 has also been monitored well, and Schalke have snapped up the 21-year-old on a four-year-deal.
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The winger, who also has 14 goals to his name for Koln, told the Bundesliga’s official site: "I had twelve great years in Cologne.
"But now I’m really looking forward to wearing the Royal Blue shirt. Schalke are one of the top clubs in Germany and a competitor in the Champions League.
"You don’t get many opportunities in life as good as this."
Schalke have slightly slipped under the transfer-window radar this summer, as compared to their more illustrious rivals in Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen.
However, they did flex their financial muscle somewhat to bring centre-back Felipe Santana from Dortmund in late May.
And Schalke sporting director Horst Heldt said of Clemens: "We are delighted that we have been able to tie down another talented and young German player to the club on a long-term contract.
"He is quick, has a strong shot, can play in various attacking positions and is a goal threat from wide areas as well from the centre."
The two signings should bode well for Schalke’s season especially with reports around a potential move to Chelsea for Julian Draxler despite a recent contract renewal.
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