Schalke 04 part ways with four loan players after promotion

FC Schalke 04, back in the Bundesliga, is preparing to restructure its squad following its promotion. At the heart of the discussions: the case of four players recently loaned abroad. Ilyes Hamache (SC Amiens), Martin Wasinski (RFC Liège), Steve Noode (Titus Petingen) and Mauro Zalazar (SC Braga U23) do not seem to benefit from prospects with the first team for the coming season, as confirmed by the management of the Gelsenkirchen club.

Unlike the large summer reshuffles of recent years, Schalke is banking this time on stability around its executives, such as Kenan Karaman (captain), Nikola Katic (defense boss) or Loris Karius (starting goalkeeper), who should soon be extended until 2027. The objective: each position doubled, supplemented by three to five players, or around 26 elements in total.

Image

Among the loanees, Ilyes Hamache – author of three goals in 28 matches with Amiens, despite the club's relegation – could, thanks to his creative potential, try to convince Miron Muslic (S04 coach) during preparation. However, a new loan, or even a permanent transfer, remains on the table, especially since Amiens, relegated, will not exercise the purchase option initially planned in the event of retention.

For Martin Wasinski, who played 32 matches as right-back during the play-offs in Belgium, and Mauro Zalazar (midfielder at Braga U23), a further move away from the club also seems to be envisaged. As for Steve Noode, despite significant playing time, he was unable to prevent the relegation of Titus Petingen to Luxembourg.

Sports director Frank Baumann announced that the squad will experience “more departures than arrivals” in the coming weeks. These four players, most of whom are still under contract until 2028 (Noode until 2029), are not included in Schalke 04's immediate plans. It remains to be seen what exit route will be found for them for next season.