Germany: Bernard Tekpetey joins Paderborn

Twenty-year-old Ghanaian striker Bernard Tekpetey has completed his transfer from Bundesliga side Schalke 04 to lower-tier side SC Paderborn.

Tekpetey today signed a three-year contract with SC Paderborn which will run out on June 30, 2021. Paderborn secured promotion to the Bundesliga 2 last season, finishing two points behind only FC Magdeburg (85 points) with 83 points in the Liga 3.

The pacey forward joined Schalke from Unistar Academy in Ghana in 2016. However, he found it difficult breaking into the Schalke team, playing only two games for them in the Bundesliga.

In the first round of the 2017/2018 season, Tekpetey was loaned to the Austrian Bundesliga side SCR Altach, where he made appearances in the championship and in the cup competition.

"Bernard can be used on the offence in multiple positions because he is both-footed and quick-thinking. He has a tremendous dynamic, high game intelligence and brings very good technical skills. Through his commitment, we are even more flexible in the offensive," Paderborn CEO Markus Krösche said about the transfer.

Tekpetey was called up to the Ghana national football team for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations. He made his debut for Ghana in a 1-0 loss to Egypt national football team on 25 January 2017.