The King is officially at Schalke! The club management praises him and has high expectations. We have a difficult task ahead of us, the Czech international is clear

Alex King has struggled through his time at West Ham and now hopes better times await him in another of Europe’s top leagues. He has become the new signing for German club Schalke 04, who are returning to the German elite after a one-year break.

The King has had a year of horror, and there has been a lot of interest in him in Germany

It was supposed to be a big deal. Alex Král arrived at West Ham as the third Czech Republic international. Apart from him, Tomáš Souček and Vladimír Coufal defended the Hammers jersey at the time of his arrival.

But Král practically didn’t get a chance. He played only a few minutes in the famous Premier League, David Moyes still relied on the same players. Moreover, the skilful midfielder faced a lot of competition. To get into the line-up over Soucek and Declan Rice? Nothing simple.

There was a lot of talk about what to do next. The King himself decided to take the opportunity to terminate his contract with Spartak Moscow for the upcoming season and looked for an engagement in Western Europe. And the interest was especially in Germany. He was linked with Leipzig or Hertha Berlin. But in the end, he’s heading to Schalke.

Schalke has high expectations of the King

Schalke are back among the German elite after a one-year hiatus. It can’t be expected to be one of the best teams in the Bundesliga right away, but gradually the famous club would definitely like to return to at least the top half of the table. But the main thing is to hold on. And that’s where Alex King will help.

“In Alex we have acquired a comprehensive player who is a great fit for us. Despite his height, he is very agile, runs a lot and is very fast. He’s smart and skilful when playing without the ball, and he closes down spaces very well. Heis still only 24 years old and already very experienced,” sports director Rouven Schröder praised the new signing to the club’s website.

Head coach Frank Kramer is equally enthusiastic: “I have known Alex for many years, especially from his time in the youth national teams. With his skills he should drive our game from the centre of midfield. Even under pressure he can often find very good and playful solutions. I’m happy to have him in our squad.”

King himself is also happy about the new engagement. “We have a big task ahead of us in one of the best leagues in Europe. We will do our best to prepare for it,” he is clear.

King comes to Gelsenkirchen for one season for now. He will wear the jersey with the number 30.

Source: Schalke 04