Transfer news

Schalke clinch Barnetta signing

July 3, 2012
By ESPN staff

Schalke have completed the signing of Swiss midfielder Tranquillo Barnetta on a three-year deal after his contract with rivals Bayer Leverkusen expired.

Tranquillo BArnetta Bayer Leverkusen
PA PhotosTranquillo Barnetta has played more than 200 games for Bayer Leverkusen

• Barnetta to leave on free transfer

Barnetta, 27, has signed a deal that will keep him at Schalke until the summer of 2015, with the Gelsenkirchen club set to compete in this year's Champions League.

"We are very happy that Tranquillo has decided to join us,'' Schalke general manager Horst Heldt said. "He has enormous qualities and is very flexible, which he has proved for Leverkusen as well as the Switzerland national team.''

Barnetta moved to Leverkusen from St Gallen in 2004, going out on loan before making an impression in the Bayer first-team. However, with no new deal offered, the 59-cap international has found alternative employment for the next campaign.