Best clean sheet ratio in the 2nd league
©IMAGO
“A little bit of planning security would be nice at my age,” Loris Karius told “Bild” at the end of April when asked whether he would also be in goal for FC Schalke 04 next season. Now the 32-year-old has not only answered this question clearly, but has even extended his contract, which was originally valid until 2027, by one year. The Royal Blues officially announced this on Tuesday. Karius is reportedly becoming one of the top earners. He will be 35 years old when his contract ends.
The former Mainz and Liverpool player is expected to earn around 1 million euros in the future and is therefore in the range of top earners and captains Kenan Karaman (32) lie. When Karius signed for Schalke in January 2025, he had signed a highly performance-based contract and then extended it in the summer with better pay. Now it is rising again in monetary terms.
This jump can be attributed to performance: Karius kept a clean sheet in 13 of 30 second division appearances. The rate of 43.3 percent is unmatched among the regular keepers in the lower house. “From our side there is nothing that speaks against Loris remaining number one in the long term,” said sports director Frank Baumann recently and confirmed the improved contract offer. To achieve this, they “stretched a lot” financially.
“With his consistently strong performances, Loris has contributed significantly to the success as a reliable support. The team can rely on him. Especially in close games, he has made the difference several times with decisive saves and secured important points,” added director of professional football Youri Mulder. Karius said: “Last season showed what we can achieve as a team with unity, energy and focus. That’s why I decided with full conviction to extend my contract. I’m really looking forward to the new season and the return to the Bundesliga.”