Schalke's Bentaleb makes move from Tottenham permanent

Nabil Bentaleb, unpack your bags.

The Algerian international midfielder's loan move to Schalke was made permanent Friday, with the 22-year-old putting pen to paper on a four-year deal with the Gelsenkirchen side.

The contract will come into effect in June 2017 once his one-year loan from Tottenham ends.

"When I came to Schalke in the summer, my aim was to play as much as possible and persuade the club to make the transfer permanent," Bentaleb said Friday. "Things have worked out brilliantly and I am thrilled."

Three erratic seasons at Spurs following promotion from the academy prompted Bentaleb's summer Bundesliga move. After failing to crack Mauricio Pochettino's squad last season, the 21-time-capped international has found continuity in Germany.

"It is great to have the feeling that you are trusted by the club: The coaching staff, my teammates, the higher-ups and everyone here have made it really easy to feel at home at S04. I am very happy to be a part of this team."

A central midfielder by trade who tends to assume the duties of a ball-stopper, Bentaleb has appeared in all but one of Schalke's league matches this campaign, pairing four goals with four assists for Markus Weinzierl's mid-table side.

With a penchant for incisive through balls that often kick-start Schalke's attack, Bentaleb's progression this campaign has been notable after making two league starts for Tottenham last campaign amid knee and ankle injuries.

"I am delighted that Nabil will (be) staying here with us," Weinzierl added. "He has developed an huge amount in the last few months and with his creativity, he is a major asset to our team."