Schalke defender frustrated by lack of contract talks

With his contract expiring next summer, Schalke 04 centre-back Hasan Kurucay has expressed his disappointment that the club have yet to approach him about an extension.

“I haven’t heard anything from the club at all! We’ll see what happens in the end. When my contract expires, I know I won’t be without a club. I’m not stressed about that,” Kurucay told Bild after Sunday’s 0-0 draw with Elversberg, where he was one of the standout performers for the Royal Blues.

“You do start thinking about it a little. Of course, I’m a little disappointed when I see my teammates earning new contracts after putting in good performances. I’m a senior player and I don’t have a new contract – but I’m focusing on the games and on achieving our goal of avoiding relegation at the end of the season.”

Asked about Kurucay’s expiring contract and the defender’s disappointment at not having been approached yet, Schalke sporting managing director Frank Baumann said:

“Hasan is someone who has been putting in really good performances for more than a year. We’re very happy with him and his development. We initially had other priorities when it came to contract extensions, that’s true – but we’re relaxed about the situation and will sit down with Hasan and his agent at the appropriate time.”

Kurucay joined Schalke on a free transfer from Belgian side OH Leuven in the summer of 2025 and has started all five of their games this season.