Matip signs extension with Schalke

Gelsenkirchen, Germany – Schalke defender Joel Matip signed a 16 season Thursday.

Matip, 20, had a contract through next season, but Schalke has now secured the Cameroon international's services. He joined Schalke's first team in 2009, and has played five times for Cameroon since 2010.

"We're absolutely delighted. Despite still being young Joel is a player with a long Schalke history," Schalke manager Horst Heldt said.

"He's a very, very valuable player for us. I'm delighted that the talks were completed so quickly and that Joel has extended his contract early with total conviction."