Schalke sign Jere Uronen on loan with option to buy

The Finnish left-back, who will wear the number 18 shirt, has played over 300 competitive matches for both club and country. Both parties have agreed not to disclose further details of the transfer. The 28-year-old joined up with the squad in Belek on Friday (6th January) and is ready to fully take part.

“We are delighted that we have acquired Jere Uronen. As Thomas Ouwejan is in the final stage of his rehabilitation and as the league is close to restarting, we needed a left-back that is fit to play. That’s why Jere was a top priority,” explained Peter Knäbel, board member for sport and communication.

Head coach Thomas Reis on the signing: “In Jere Uronen and Thomas Ouwejan, we now have two different types of left back. Jere is more defensive minded and is very disciplined when we’re backtracking, while more of Thomas’ strengths lie going forward. This flexibility will help us to set up against different opponents and styles of play. I’m looking forward to working with Jere.”

The 28-year-old becomes the second Finnish played to play for Schalke 04 after Teemu Pukki (2011-13). “I’m very pleased that the move has been completed. Schalke is well known in Finland, especially since Teemu Pukki played for the club. The discussions with the management and head coach here were really good and I’m looking forward to getting to know my new teammates and above all playing my first home game at the VELTINS-Arena in front of the Schalke fans.”

Uronen played for Turun Palloseura in his youth, before moving to Helsingborgs IF in 2012 and then on to KRC Genk in 2016. He reached the quarterfinals of the Europa League with the Belgian side in 2017. In 2021, Uronen moved to Ligue 1 side Brest.

Overall, he has featured in 300 professional matches, including 38 in the Europa League and Champions League. Uronen has been capped 61 times for Finland, featuring in all three games for his country at EURO 2020.