FC Schalke 04 readies new season with youth overhaul and ticket surge
Coach Jakob Fimpel of Schalke's U23 squad has adapted training schedules for extreme heat and is addressing a roster turnover, including the promotion of Tim Dietrich to Preußen Münster and the departure of several key players.
Ticket sales for the season‑opening friendly against Atalanta Bergamo on 8 August have been strong, with 15 000 tickets sold ahead of the match, signalling high fan enthusiasm.
The club signed a new cooperation agreement with the Schalke Fanclub Verband, guaranteeing 60 000 home‑match tickets for fan clubs and increasing direct financial support.
In the women's team, 18‑year‑old defender Mailin Tenhagen, granddaughter of former national player Jupp Tenhagen, joined Schalke from SGS Essen.
Midfielder Hasan Kurucay returned to training early, working on fitness ahead of the squad's medical tests, while competition for his position intensifies with the recent signing of Igor Julio.
Speculation continues about a possible winter‑transfer target, winger Ben Bobzien, and the U19 side under Norbert Elgert has undergone a major overhaul with 38 incoming and outgoing moves.
Schalke also revised its away‑ticket allocation system, halving points required for members to obtain tickets for Bundesliga matches.