Poulsen joins Schalke

FC Schalke 04 signed Denmark midfield player Christian Poulsen from FC København in a €3.5m deal on Wednesday.

'Shooting star'
The 21-year-old was reportedly on the verge of a move to Schalke's 1. Bundesliga rivals BV Borussia Dortmund but the Gelsenkirchen outfit stepped in with a late bid to pip Matthias Sammer to his signature. General manager Rudi Assauer said: "Christian is the 'shooting star' in the Danish league and a very in-demand player."

International bow
Poulsen has scored five goals in 12 games this season and made his international debut last month against the Netherlands. He will join the German club next summer, with his four-year contract beginning on 1 July.

'Spirit in the squad'
After spending the day at the club, Poulsen said on Wednesday: “My attendance today convinced me [to move]. The AufSchalke Arena, as well as the family atmosphere at the club, plus the spirit in the squad means that Schalke are exactly the right club for me.”

Coach confident
Schalke coach Huub Stevens added: “He is strong not only defensively but also when attacking and will surely help Schalke.”