Schalke 04 Begins Pre‑Season Tests Amid Squad‑Size and Financial Pressure

FC Schalke 04, freshly promoted to the Bundesliga, opened its pre‑season on July 5 with the league‑mandated medical examinations and individual performance diagnostics for all professionals. The sessions were overseen by club doctor Dr. Patrick Ingelfinger and head coach Miron Muslic. New signings Junior Adamu and Satoshi Tanaka took part, while several players – including World Cup participants Nikola Katić, Dejan Ljubičić and U19 international Mika Wallentowitz – were absent.

Sporting director Frank Baumann is under pressure to reduce an oversized squad of 36 contracted players. Despite earlier statements that departures would outnumber arrivals, only two external signings have been completed, costing roughly €1.8 million in fees. With the club heavily indebted and high wages looming, Baumann must find sales to free up financial space before the start of the Bundesliga preparation period.