Schalke 04 bring in goalkeeper talent Heekeren and extend with substitute keeper Langer

Bundesliga returnees Schalke 04 have signed the talented goalkeeper Justin Heekeren from the regional league club Rot-Weiss Oberhausen. The 21-year-old has signed a contract with the Royal Blues until 2025 with an option for a further year. In addition, the promoted team extended the cooperation with substitute keeper Michael Langer by another year until 2023.

Heekeren should slowly be introduced to the Bundesliga. “Despite his young age, Justin has already taken on a lot of responsibility at RWO and established himself as the clear number 1 in the past regional league season,” said sports director Rouven Schröder: “Now he will learn with us what it means to persist at the highest level. The he will get the time he needs from us.”

Langer is entering his sixth season with the Gelsenkircheners, for whom he has only played five games so far. In addition, the 37-year-old Austrian will complete a trainee program covering the areas of contract management, scouting and analysis, sports management and goalkeeper training. “Michael should be given the opportunity to get a concrete idea for his professional life after his active football career,” said Schröder.

Goalkeeper Ralf Fährmann is also under contract with the promoted team. The number one is still being sought between the posts after the contract with Austrian Martin Fraisl was not extended. Alexander Schwolow from Hertha BSC is the favourite.