Norwich City are delighted to announce the signing of goalkeeper Ralf Fährmann on a season-long loan deal from FC Schalke 04.

The 30-year-old stopper brings to Norfolk a wealth of experience playing at the highest level with Schalke, with 196 appearances notched in the Bundesliga and 40 in European competitions.

He becomes the Canaries’ third signing of the summer in preparation for the 2019-20 Premier League season after the deals agreed for Patrick Roberts and Josip Drmic.

Speaking to canaries.co.uk, Fährmann said: “I’m really glad and proud to sign here. To be a part of the Premier League, I think it’s a wonderful thing for all, not only for me but also for the fans and supporters of Norwich City.

“There were a few clubs who showed interest in me, but Norwich gave me a very familiar feeling and that was the reason why the decision was easy for me.

“I was at my old club for a really long time, over 14 years, and it felt like it was time for something new.

“Therefore, it was the perfect time now with Norwich in the Premier League. I’ve heard only the best things about the city and I’m looking forward to getting to know Norwich better.”

Fährmann moved to Schalke in 2003 at the age of 15 and made five first-team appearances for the Club before transferring to Eintracht Frankfurt in 2009.

He only spent two seasons in Frankfurt and re-joined Schalke in 2011, subsequently going on to establish himself as one of the best shot-stoppers in Germany.

The 6ft5in ‘keeper is now looking forward to his next challenge in the Premier League and working closely with Head Coach Daniel Farke.

“I watched the Premier League last season and a bit of Championship. It was an incredible season, topped with the Championship title. I saw many photos of the parade and celebration and it was really impressive.

“Of course, I think everyone dreams of playing in the Premier League – it is the best league in the world and to compete with the best clubs and players is a dream for everyone and therefore, I’m looking forward to next season.

“Daniel [Farke] always follows his plan and signed a new contract last season. That’s also a reason why I signed my contract here.

“I like it when somebody thinks about football a lot and loves it that much.”

Head Coach Daniel Farke said: “It was important to bring another goalkeeper in and our target was always to bring in the best goalkeeper we could get. We are convinced that Ralf is totally the right choice.

“He is a pretty experienced guy, played at the top level and has many appearances in the Champions League and German Bundesliga. He plays for a massive club [Schalke] which is one of the biggest clubs in Germany.

“He’s an unbelievable character, hardworking and a lovely guy. As the skipper at Schalke, he knows exactly what is necessary for the group and for spirit and togetherness.

“We are unbelievably careful when we bring in new signings as it’s not only about their quality as a player but also about the personality and we all get the feeling that he is a perfect fit to our squad, so we are all delighted.”