Schalke have announced an agreement with Real Madrid defender Christophe Metzelder.
The Germany international, whose time in Spain has been plagued by injury, will return to his homeland on a three-year deal.
The 29-year-old, who joined Madrid from Borussia Dortmund in 2007, was a first choice for Germany at Euro 2008 but is not expected to be part of their squad for this summer's World Cup in South Africa because of his lack of playing time at the Bernabeu.
A statement on Schalke's official website read: "A World Cup and a European Championship runner-up will soon play for the Royal Blues: Christoph Metzelder is joining Schalke from Real Madrid for the coming season and receives a three-year contract until 30 June 2013."