Schalke close to tying down duo to new deals
| Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images |
Schalke have reportedly secured the long-term future of one of their brightest academy prospects, with Mertcan Ayhan signing a new contract at the Veltins-Arena.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the 19-year-old centre-back has agreed a contract extension that will keep him at the newly promoted Bundesliga club until the summer of 2030. His previous deal had been due to expire in 2028.
A Gelsenkirchen native, Ayhan has been with Schalke since joining the club’s academy in 2014 and has progressed through every youth level. He broke into the first-team squad under Miron Muslić last summer and quickly established himself as a regular, making 27 appearances in the 2. Bundesliga and accumulating 1,938 minutes across the campaign.
Meanwhile, veteran striker Edin Džeko is also reportedly close to signing a new one-year contract, with the 40-year-old expected to continue helping out in attack as Schalke gear up for life back in Germany’s top flight.
Džeko currently a free agent, took some time to consider his options. Frank Baumann and Miron Muslic were determined to keep him. The experienced forward is said to be keen on playing one more season in the Bundesliga.
The final details are reportedly being discussed while the feeling is very positive that the deal will be completed next week, with Muslić planning an important role for Džeko.
