Vitalie Becker stays at Schalke, ending Lazio transfer speculation

German left‑back Vitalie Becker, 21, has confirmed he will remain with Bundesliga club Schalke 04 for the upcoming season. In an interview with Ruhr24, Becker said he never expressed a desire to leave and emphasized his focus on the club, stating, "I feel good at Schalke" and "I have not said I want to go". His contract runs out next summer, and while talks about an extension are ongoing, he indicated that the negotiations are not a pre‑season concern.

Lazio had shown interest in signing Becker to strengthen their left flank, but the player's remarks and Schalke's intention to retain the prospect have put the potential transfer on hold. The Italian side will now need to explore alternative options as the window closes and manager Gennaro Gattuso seeks immediate defensive reinforcements.