Defender Timo Baumgartl is a Royal Blue!

“Timo is a centre-back with all the qualities we were looking for. Even though he is only 27, he has a lot of experience and a strong personality, as well as his footballing ability,” commented André Hechelmann, FC Schalke 04 sporting director. “We are confident that he will quickly become an important part of our team.”

Head coach Thomas Reis added: “Timo combines his tough-tackling nature and strength in the air with his excellent positioning. The younger defenders in our team will benefit from his experience and calmness on the ball.”

Baumgartl himself is looking forward to his time in Gelsenkirchen: “The club told me of their plans for me as part of their goals for this season and beyond. I have already played with some of the lads in this team in the past and I know the quality they possess. I’m excited to start the new season with the team and the massive fan base here.”

First-division experience in Germany and the Netherlands

The right-footed defender began his career at GSV Maichingen. He then went to VfB Stuttgart’s academy after a spell with SSV Reutlingen. Baumgartl played for VfB’s youth sides and then made his Bundesliga debut aged just 18 back in 2014, whilst also becoming a regular in Germany’s youth sides at the same time. He played 20 times for Germany U21s and scored one goal. After eight years in Stuttgart, the defender moved to the Netherlands to sign for PSV Eindhoven in 2019. Baumgartl joined 1. FC Union Berlin for two years on loan in 2021 and enjoyed a successful season with them in the Bundesliga last term.