Berlin, Jun 18 (IANS): Germany Under-21 international Christian Clemens has joined Schalke till 2017.

The 21-year-old former Cologne midfielder put pen-to-paper on a four-year deal following medical check-up, reports Xinhua.

"Christian Clemens is an Under-21 player with enormous potential. We are pleased that we were able to bind a German talent for the long term. He is fast, has a strong shot and is offensively versatile," Schalke manager Horst Heldt said Monday.

Clemens worked his way through youth teams to accomplish his first-team breakthrough in 2010. During his three years with the first-team he scored 13 goals in 89 appearances.

"I had 12 great years in Cologne but I am happy to wear the Royal Blue now. Schalke is one of the top-flight clubs in Germany and is a UEFA Champions League aspirant. It's not often that you get such a chance in life," Clemens said.

Schalke completed the Bundesliga season in fourth to ensure a Champions League playoff position.