Gelsenkirchen, Germany – FC Schalke 04 is actively working to solidify its squad for the upcoming BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga season, extending contract offers to veteran goalkeeper Loris Karius and prolific striker Edin DzekoPlayer·Edin Dzeko. Both players were instrumental in the Royal Blues' triumphant 2025/26 campaign, which saw them secure the 2. BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga title and earn direct promotion back to Germany's top flight.
Loris Karius, the 32-year-old former LiverpoolTeam·Liverpool goalkeeper, joined Schalke in January 2025. His initial contract was extended in June 2025 until June 30, 2027, and the club is now in advanced discussions for a further extension, potentially keeping him at the Veltins-Arena until at least 2028. This proposed new deal is expected to include an adjusted salary, positioning Karius among the club's highest earners. Despite reported interest from Serie A clubs, Karius has expressed a clear desire to remain with Schalke as they embark on their BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga journey. His performances have been consistently reliable, featuring in 29 of 32 league matches, conceding just 24 goals, and recording a league-high 12 clean sheets. His save percentage of 73.6% was noted as the best among first-choice goalkeepers in the 2. BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga.
Meanwhile, 40-year-old Bosnian international Edin DzekoPlayer·Edin Dzeko, who arrived at Schalke 04 on January 22, 2026, on a short-term deal, has also been presented with a new contract offer. The club proposes an extension until 2027, which would reportedly double his current salary to approximately €1.5 million per year. Dzeko, however, is currently deferring his decision until after his international commitments with Bosnia and Herzegovina in the upcoming World CupCompetition·World Cup.
Upon his arrival, Dzeko made an immediate impact, scoring on his debut in a 2-2 draw against Kaiserslautern. This goal made him the oldest player to score in the 2. BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga at 39 years and 314 days. He concluded the promotion campaign with six goals in 11 appearances for Schalke 04. Frank Baumann, a key figure at Schalke 04, commented on Dzeko's situation, stating, "In my view, the chances are fundamentally good. Edin has indicated that he can absolutely imagine continuing his career physically – we can also imagine that he will continue to help us, both on the pitch and, with all his experience and professional attitude, also off the pitch."
The potential retention of both Karius and Dzeko is viewed by Schalke's management as crucial for providing stability and invaluable experience as the club prepares for the significant challenges of competing in the BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga once again. Their leadership and on-field contributions were pivotal in securing the 2. BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga title, marking a successful return to Germany's top tier for the storied club.
Schalke 04's Edin Dzeko lifts the 2. Bundesliga trophy with Loris Karius and teammates after promotion. osnapix/IMAGO
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