Essen signs ex-Schalke defender Pöpperl

Rot-Weiss Essen signs former Schalke defender Paul Pöpperl on a deal, though he is not expected to provide immediate impact.

Rot-Weiss Essen have completed the signing of Paul Pöpperl, a defender who was most recently without a club after leaving Schalke. The third-tier club has brought in the 27-year-old on a long-term contract as a prospect for their squad development, though he is not expected to make an immediate contribution to the first team this season.