
Schalke 04 Transfers - Summer 2009/2010
Here at FourFourTwo, we have been following Schalke with interest this season and we have, in general, been impressed with Martin O'Neill's signings. He has also let go a couple of players who were not up to challenging for top spot, generating some money in the process which will no doubt please the board.

Jo has signed on a season long loan and is looking to impress at the German club.
Jo is a player that interests us. When he signed for Manchester City for £18,000,000, he seemed like the next best thing. However, when others were signed that succeeded his ability, Jo was left to rot on the bench. After a spell at Everton, Jo moved to Schalke where he will be hoping that an impressive season at Schalke, could earn him a move away from Eastlands. £3,100,000 is a hefty loan fee for a season but Schalke could be looking for a cheap deal in the summer. Jo has impressed in Pre-Season alongside Huntelaar and he'll be hoping to continue that form.

Marco Donadel is a player that looks like he could go far at Schalke. He can pass, be creative and has a good tackle. He fits the O'Neill mould perfectly.
Marco Donadel has been a bit of an enigma in his career spanning 10 years. He played many games for Fiorentina, never really living up to the standard that was expected of him. After a bad campaign last year, Donadel was transfer listed and Schalke were quick to snap him up for a risky £4,800,000. Donadel is potentially a very good defensive midfielder and will go straight into the Schalke first team. At 26, this is his time to shine and O'Neill clearly wants that to be at Schalke.

Vincent Enyeama had an impressive World Cup last time round and is a real bargain for O'Neill.
Vincent Enyeama could be considered as O'Neill's signing of the season. He is an established goalkeeper, renown for his shot-stopping and agility. However, it only cost O'Neill £300,000 to snap up the in-form goalkeeper from Tel-Aviv. He will be expected to challenge Neuer in goal and could be in the first team in Schalke's opening match against Elvesburg in the German Cup. Enyeama has a lot of expectation on his shoulders but on his current record, could prove to be quite a signing for O'Neill!
Aswell as these three, Jeffrey Bruma was brought in on a season long loan to provide cover at centre back. A good start for O'Neill but the real questions will come with the performances on the pitch. Elvesburg should not prove to much of a challenge for Schalke, but we will be interested to see how O'Neill lines up. Rumours of a 4-4-2 Diamond are circulating round the club but as we know, O'Neill keeps everything quiet until the last minute. Schalke have a lot to prove, but these signings are a good place to start.