Schalke have confirmed the signing of Michael Frey on loan with an option to buy from Royal Antwerp in Belgium for the remainder of the season.
On his move to the Bundesliga, Frey said: “I am pleased to be here at Schalke and to be able to get on the training pitch with the team today. I will do everything to integrate with the team as quickly as possible, so that together we can pick up points.”
Sporting director Peter Knäbel also spoke on the signing of the 28-year-old: “We are delighted that we have been able to complete the signing ahead of the match against Frankfurt. We had to strengthen our attacking options following Sebastian Polter’s injury and in signing Michael we have done just that. We have acquired a big, physical and dynamic centre forward who will fill the hole in the attacking line.”
Thomas Reis gave a comment on the striker who will bolster his attacking options: “Michael has a good presence on the pitch and he gets into dangerous positions with his clever movement. He is horrible for any defender to play against and that’s exactly what I want from the entire team. I am pleased that we have been able to acquire such an experienced player who will be able to help us out straight away.”
Frey has played 69 times for Antwerp since he joined from Fenerbahce in 2021 and has scored 33 goals since. He is not unfamiliar with German football having spent a year on loan at 1. FC Nürnberg in 2019/20, scoring five goals in 32 games in the 2. Bundesliga.
The signing comes after Sebastian Polter picked up a ligament injury earlier on in the month and is out for the rest of the season. Frey will compete with Simon Terodde for the starting spot for Schalke.
Schalke resume their Bundesliga season against Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday.
GGFN | Jack Meenan
