The Bundesliga club FC Schalke 04, threatened with relegation, has struck again on the transfer market.
Éder Balanta joins Schalke 04 at the bottom of the table, the Revierklub announced on Tuesday afternoon. This should finally complete the squad planning for the Royal Blues. The Colombian is already the sixth professional who was signed in the winter.
The 29-year-old is on loan from Club Brugge until the end of the season. Schalke 04 did not provide any further details of the transfer, such as a possible purchase option.
“We’re getting a defensive midfielder who is physically robust and strong in tackles and is characterized by his physical style of play,” said S04 head coach Thomas Reis, describing the advantages of the new man: “I’m convinced that the way he plays can reduce the pressure on our defense and we will benefit from that.”
Schalke new signing Balanta: “Can’t wait”
Above all, Schalke 04 gains “international experience” through the commitment, as sporting director Peter Knäbel emphasized. Éder Balanta was part of the Colombian selection at the 2014 World Cup. The defender, who can also be used in central defence, even made a World Cup appearance.
In addition, Balanta can look back on 30 appearances in the Champions League for FC Brugge and his previous club FC Basel. His contract in Belgium runs until 2024, but recently he has not been used regularly in Bruges. In the current season, however, the left-footed player has played nine times in the Belgian league and four times in the Champions League.
“I’m very happy that the transfer has come about and I can’t wait to meet my teammates. We have a big task ahead of us, so I’ll do everything I can to keep the class,” said the newcomer quoted in the press release.