Official: Schalke sign Barnetta

Jul 4, 2012 8:48:00 AM

The Switzerland international opted not to renew his contract with Bayer Leverkusen, and has now joined the Gelsenkirchen side on a free transfer on a three-year deal

Schalke have confirmed on their official website that they have completed the transfer of Tranquillo Barnetta from Bayer Leverkusen on a Bosman move. The attacking midfielder has signed a contract until June 2015 with his new club.

Goal.com had already revealed recently that the 27-year-old was on the verge of signing for the Konigsblauen after he decided not to renew his expiring contract with Leverkusen, and he has now indeed left the club to join Schalke.

"We're delighted Tranquillo has opted to join us," said general manager Horst Heldt. "He has great qualities and is very versatile, as he has shown for both Leverkusen and Switzerland."

Barnetta came through the ranks of the St Gallen youth academy before joining Leverkusen in the summer of 2004. He was farmed out on loan to Hannover in his first season, but had developed into a key player at the Werkself since his return to the club in 2005.

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