S04 change before completion
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Published on May 25, 2026, updated on June 7, 2026
When looking for reinforcements, Bundesliga promoted Schalke 04 found what they were looking for nearby at Fortuna Düsseldorf. After “Sky” reported in May about the Royal Blues’ interest in Satoshi Tanaka, the TV station now reported on Sunday an agreement with the defensive midfielder, who only came to Fortuna in the winter. After Düsseldorf’s relegation to the 3rd league, the Japanese became a bargain.
Tanaka is one of the few in the Düsseldorf squad who has a valid contract for the third division, but after moving to the third division his release clause is said to have fallen from 10 million to one million euros. In January, the Rhinelanders transferred 900,000 euros to Sanfrecce Hiroshima for the 23-year-old’s services. A small profit would be left for Fortuna in the event of a change, while Schalke is hoping for a good deal. Tanaka’s market value is 2 million euros.
As was reported on Sunday, Schalke have informed Düsseldorf of their intention to activate the exit clause. Tanaka is said to have had several options – including others in the Bundesliga. Now the medical check is coming up in Gelsenkirchen.
Düsseldorf’s Itten is also on Schalke’s list
But not only the midfielder is apparently on Gelsenkirchen’s list, but also center forward Cedric Itten. The 29-year-old could even leave on a free transfer after relegation. With 16 goals in 32 games, the Swiss World Cup driver was Düsseldorf’s top scorer. There are currently five center forwards in Schalke’s squad for the coming season, but this is unlikely to remain the case until the end of the transfer period. is always considered a sales candidate and Austria Vienna is said to be interested. As of today, Edin Dzeko is not there, as he only wants to decide on his future at a later date.
Schalke: Karius should become one of the top earners
Number one, Loris Karius, is set to stay and extend his contract beyond 2027. According to the “kicker”, the chances of this are good. In this context, the 32-year-old should move into the top segment in terms of salary – around one million euros per year. According to reports, the top earner is currently captain Kenan Karaman.
S04 “proactively approached Loris and his advisor a few weeks ago,” said sports director Frank Baumann recently. The club “made an improved offer” and “stretched itself a lot”, so they would be very happy about an agreement. “But we are relaxed because Loris is definitely still under contract for the coming year.”
Karius, who was signed as a player without a club in January 2025, prevailed in competition with Justin Heekeren before the season and developed into one of the best keepers in the 2nd Bundesliga. With 31 goals conceded, Schalke had by far the best defense and Karius remained undefeated in 13 of 30 games – a record.