Goalkeeper Justin Heekeren joins S04

“Together with goalkeeping coach Simon Henzler and our scouting department, we have kept a close eye on Justin and believe he has serious potential. We’re delighted that we have able to sign him,” said Schalke 04 sporting director Rouven Schröder. “Despite his young age, Justin has already taken on responsibility at Oberhausen, establishing himself as their first-choice goalkeeper in the recent Regionalliga season. With us, he will learn what it means to have what it takes to survive at the highest level. He will get the necessary time to do that here,” added Schröder.

“Working together with Simon Henzler, Justin will take quick strides forward, I’m sure of that. Nevertheless, it’s a big step; the level in the Bundesliga is entirely different. We will give him the necessary time to develop, as well as giving him regular opportunities with the U23s,” explained head coach Frank Kramer.

The move to Gelsenkirchen is the next step for Heekeren in his still young career. “The chance to showcase myself day in, day out during training with a Bundesliga side and challenge myself is a huge and exciting opportunity for me, and one that I will go about full of belief and passion,” promised the young goalkeeper.

Justin Heekeren was born in Veen am Niederrhein and took his first footballing steps in the local area. After a spell at VfB Homberg, he worked his way through the youth setup at Borussia Mönchengladbach and then Rot-Weiß Oberhausen, finally making the step up to first-team football at RWO. He played 37 of a possible 38 games in the recent Regionalliga West campaign, recording twelve clean sheets.