Paul Pöpperl signs a professional contract and moves on loan with Emmanuel Gyamfi to partner club Venlo

“Paul has lots of talent and showed that during last season with the U23s. We believe he can make the step up to the first team in the future. In order to best prepare him for that, we want him to get minutes at our partner club in Venlo at a higher level,” said sporting director Marc Wilmots on behalf of the sporting management. “We’re pleased that, with Paul and Emmanuel Gyamfi, two youngsters and VVV can benefit from our partnership.”

Paul Pöpperl is looking forward to playing in the Dutch second division: “I’m really happy to have signed my first pro deal at Schalke. I want to use my time in Venlo to develop as a footballer and help the team there.”

Emmanuel Gyamfi is also excited for the new season: “It’s a great chance to pick up some valuable experience at a club like Venlo. I want to do my best for myself and the team in a new league.”

Pöpperl joined Schalke’s U23s last summer from TSV Steinbach II. He played 33 games in the Regionalliga West last season, scoring five goals and recording six assists. Emmanuel Gyamfi has been a Royal Blue for five years now, and signed his first professional deal with the club a few weeks ago.