Schalke sign Goncalo Paciencia from Eintracht Frankfurt
Schalke have added further depth to their strike force by signing Goncalo Paciencia on loan from Eintracht Frankfurt.
The Royal Blues recruited former Hertha Berlin captain Vedad Ibisevic earlier this month, and he will now compete for a starting place with another experienced Bundesliga goalscorer.
Portugal international Paciencia netted seven league goals in the 2019/20 season - and 10 in all competitions - in what was his second year in German football.
Schalke sporting director Jochen Schneider said he was delighted to secure a deal for the 26-year-old ahead of Friday's opening league match at defending champions Bayern Munich.
"It's the combination of physicality and technique that characterises his game," Schneider said of Paciencia.
"Above all Goncalo will make us more dangerous and unpredictable in the final third of the pitch."
Paciencia had injury problems in the second half of last season, but he is ready for a fresh start with the team that finished 12th last term.
The former Porto striker joined Eintracht in the summer of 2018, and he stepped up to good effect after the Eagles lost Sebastien Haller, Luka Jovic, and Ante Rebic ahead of the 2019/20 campaign.
Strong in the air, Paciencia formed a good understanding with Bas Dost and hit six goals in the opening 10 league matches of last season. He also got his first goal for Portugal and fired Eintracht into the UEFA Europa League group stage before injuries and the form of compatriot Andre Silva slowed his progress in 2020.
Watch: Paciencia was in great early-season form last term
Want more Bundesliga Action?
The 6'0"-tall frontman will now be keen to rediscover his goalscoring touch under David Wagner at Schalke, aided by the likes of fellow attackers Amine Harit, Benito Raman and Mark Uth.
"I can't wait to finally get going on the pitch," the new Schalke No.18 said after arriving in Gelsenkirchen.
Schalke begin their 2020/21 Bundesliga campaign with a trip to Munich this weekend before hosting Werder Bremen on Matchday 2.
Related news
Can Bayern prolong title defence?
The record champions could be officially dethroned and even surrender second place, with Cologne the visitors to the Allianz Arena on Saturday.
Matchday 29 CONFIRMED teams
Eric Dier has been given the nod ahead of Minjae Kim in the centre of defence for Bayern Munich as they take on Cologne.
Bundesliga 2 promotion race
St. Pauli and Kiel have a welcome cushion on the promotion play-off place, with Düsseldorf and Hamburg jockeying for position immediately below the top two...