Paris Saint-Germain complete shock deal for Schalke youngster

Paris Saint-Germain have announced the arrival of Schalke defender Thilo Kehrer on a five-year deal running until 2023.

Kehrer was on the brink of extending his stay at Schalke but the Bundesliga side could not turn down PSG’s surprise bid, believed to be in the region of £30m.

Thomas Tuchel has been looking to bolster PSG’s defensive options all summer and the Ligue 1 champions were linked with a move for Bayern Munich centre-back Jerome Boateng.

However, Kehrer’s arrival would seemingly rule out a move for Boateng, who now looks set to stay at Bayern.

Kehrer is the second signing PSG have made this summer following the arrival of veteran goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon on a free transfer.

“It is with much joy and ambition that I have signed for Paris Saint-Germain,” he told the club’s official website.

“Everyone in Europe knows how strong and exciting the Paris Saint-Germain project is and I couldn’t think of a better club for me to continue my progression and reach my objectives.

“I am going to meet some extraordinary teammates and work with a coach that has done a great job in Germany in recent years.

“Everyone is going to be important in helping me and I in turn hope to help the team with my qualities. I also can’t wait to play at the Parc des Princes, a legendary stadium in European football.”

Schalke have only recouped more money from sales of Leroy Sane and Julian Draxler than Kehrer, who will provide competition with Thiago Silva, Marquinhos and Presenl Kimpembe at PSG.

The Germany Under-21 international made 28 appearances in the league last season, with 23 of those at centre-back.

Only Santiago Ascacibar (91) made more tackles than Kehrer (81) of all players aged 21 and under in the Bundesliga last season.