Most recently loaned out to Celtic
©IMAGO
The text first appeared on June 11th at 12:30 p.m. and was revised after the official announcement.
After Satoshi Tanaka (23), FC Schalke 04 has signed the next bargain. Striker Junior Adamu completed his medical check with the Royal Blues on Thursday and was subsequently presented as the second new signing for the coming season. The Austrian, who was most recently loaned out to Celtic Glasgow by SC Freiburg, costs more “Image” information a transfer fee of 800,000 euros. Its market value is 3 million euros.
In the summer of 2023, the people from Breisgau transferred another 6 million euros to Red Bull Salzburg for Adamus’ services; up to 9.5 million would have been possible through bonuses. But the attacker was never able to really assert himself. In 67 games he scored seven goals and four assists. Last January, a loan was supposed to bring more playing time and preserve Adamus’ minimal chance of a World Cup ticket, but that failed.
On the contrary, Adamu’s move to Glasgow didn’t bring him a meter further. He only appeared on the pitch six times for Celtic and scored one goal. He wasn’t even in the squad for the Scottish Premiership championship round. The newspaper “The Scotsman” listed him among the ten worst transfers of the past season. It is hardly surprising that Celtic left the purchase option for 5 million euros unused.
Muslic lures Adamu from SC Freiburg to Schalke
For significantly less money we now go to Schalke, where Adamu wants to make a fresh start. It is said that coach Miron Muslic is also a decisive factor in this, as he knows the player well. Adamu has signed a contract until 2029. He should be in midfield in the Royal Blues’ salary structure. Both sides are likely to hope that Adamu can increase his market value again. Since his move to Freiburg, this has fallen from 8 million to 3 million euros.
After Tanaka, Adamu will be the Bundesliga newcomer’s second new signing. The Japanese midfielder also came to the Royal Blues as a bargain. After Fortuna Düsseldorf crashed into the 3rd league, Tanaka’s release clause fell from 10 million euros to just one million euros.
“With Junior, we have a player who meets the requirements of our game idea. He works hard against the ball and offers his teammates passing points with deep, fast running routes. Junior is a team player who can show his strengths in several offensive positions and in different game systems,” said Schalke’s director of professional football Youri Mulder. Adamu added: “In each of our conversations it became clear to me why the coach and the sporting management would like to have me in their team. The trust of those in charge and the clear game idea were ultimately the reasons for playing for this club with its enthusiastic fans.”