GELSENKIRCHEN, GERMANY – FC Schalke 04 has moved swiftly to secure the futures of two influential figures, Loris Karius and Edin DzekoPlayer·Edin Dzeko, following their triumphant return to the BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga. The club has formally offered new contracts to the former LiverpoolTeam·Liverpool goalkeeper and ex-Manchester CityTeam·Manchester City striker, acknowledging their significant roles in clinching the 2. Bundesliga title for the 2025/26 season.
Loris Karius, who arrived in Gelsenkirchen as a free agent in January 2025, proved instrumental in anchoring Schalke's defense. The 32-year-old goalkeeper's current deal extends until 2027, but Schalke is reportedly in advanced discussions to prolong his stay until 2028, with an additional year option. Karius has expressed a strong desire to remain with the club and compete in Germany's top flight once more. His performance during the 2025/26 campaign was notable, recording 13 clean sheets and conceding only 24 goals across 30 appearances, a testament to one of the second tier's most robust defensive records.
Edin DzekoPlayer·Edin Dzeko, at 40 years old, joined Schalke in January 2026 on a short-term agreement following a spell with FiorentinaTeam·Fiorentina. Despite his brief tenure, the Bosnian international made a considerable impact, finding the net 6 times in 11 appearances during the Rückrunde, the second half of the season. Schalke has presented Dzeko with a one-year contract extension, which would see him remain at the club until 2027. However, Dzeko is expected to defer his decision until after fulfilling his international commitments with Bosnia-Herzegovina at the upcoming World CupCompetition·World Cup. His goal-scoring prowess and influential presence, both on and off the pitch, are highly valued by the club.
Schalke 04's promotion was confirmed after a dominant season saw them finish atop the 2. Bundesliga table with 70 points from 34 matches. Their campaign included 21 wins, 7 draws, and 6 losses, with the team scoring 50 goals and conceding 31. This successful run ensures their return to Germany's premier football division for the 2026/27 season. SV Elversberg also secured direct promotion, finishing second with 62 points, while SC Paderborn 07, also on 62 points, earned a spot in the promotion play-offs. The contract offers to Karius and Dzeko underscore Schalke's strategic intent to build a competitive squad capable of thriving in the BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga.
Edin Dzeko lifts the 2. Bundesliga trophy with Loris Karius as Schalke 04 celebrates. Nico Herbertz/IMAGO
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