SC Paderborn’s Ron Schallenberg joins Schalke – is Leitsch coming?

Duel with Bochum for Leitsch

This article was first published on June 19th at 15:20 and subsequently updated after official confirmation.

Ron Schallenberg will be FC Schalke 04’s first new signing for the coming season. The defensive midfielder from SC Paderborn arrived at the Royal Blues for a medical check-up on Monday – the relevant information and photos made the rounds across the media. Schallenberg actually still has a contract with the SCP until June 2024, so a fee is due for the 24-year-old. Loud “Sport1” reporter Patrick Berger the sum in the base should be 2 million euros “WAZ” assumes an amount between 2.2 million and 3 million euros.

Update June 19, 6:20 p.m.: Schalke reported completion on Monday evening. Schallenberg signed until 2026 and will receive jersey number 6. “Ron is a strategist who will give us stability in the center with and without the ball. With his footballing quality and mentality, he is exactly the right man for this task,” said sporting director André Hechelmann. “We are convinced that in his position in defensive midfield he will contribute a great deal to achieving our short- and medium-term goals.”

Coach Thomas Reis added: “With his overview, dynamism and strength in duels, Ron brings important qualities to the position at the headquarters. I’m convinced that with his leadership qualities he can be an important pillar of our team.” Schallenberg said: “After the very good talks with those responsible, I’m happy that I can now play for Schalke. We have a common goal that I want to achieve with the team and the fans. We want to work hard for this in the coming weeks.”

According to reports, the native of Paderborn decided to switch to the Bundesliga relegated team despite several first division offers. Apparently FC Augsburg, Werder Bremen and VfB Stuttgart were also interested. “He’s a well-known player who has had a good season in that position. It’s our duty to deal with a name like that,” said Schalke’s sports director Hechelmann about the Schallenberg personnel (35 season appearances in the league and cup).

Schalke and VfL Bochum are in contention for Mainz defender Leitsch

With Maxim Leitsch, another name is in focus. The defender currently under contract with FSV Mainz 05 will sky and “WAZ” courted by Schalke, but apparently also has a well-paid offer from his ex-employer VfL Bochum. As the TV broadcaster reports, the “zero fives” are demanding a transfer fee of around 3 million euros. Schalke, on the other hand, is considering a loan with an obligation to buy if they are promoted.

rumor
	M. Leitsch
	centre-back
1.FSV Mainz 05 38% FC Schalke 04 Bundesliga Bundesliga

At S04 Leitsch, who now has to choose between the clubs, could meet former Bochum coach Reis again. The defender switched from Bochum to Mainz in 2022 for 3.5 million euros, but only played ten games for the professionals. In October he was diagnosed with physical and mental exhaustion.

Ole, ole… pic.twitter.com/rki1gUzH7G

— FC Schalke 04 (@s04) June 19, 2023

To home page