Edin Dzeko and Mertcan Ayhan sign contracts through 2030 with Schalke

Edin Dzeko Mertcan Ayhan contract extension Schalke 04 Bundesliga

FC Schalke 04 announced that 19‑year‑old defender Mertcan Ayhan has extended his contract until 30 June 2030. The deal, confirmed by the club, contains no release clause, underscoring Schalke’s focus on retaining home‑grown talent. Ayhan, a product of the club’s youth academy and younger brother of professional footballer Kaan Ayhan, has become a regular in the Bundesliga squad after making 29 appearances last season.

The club also secured the services of veteran striker Edin Dzeko on a one‑year deal. Dzeko’s contract includes a base salary of roughly €900,000 per year with bonus provisions that could raise his earnings to about €1.3 million. Medical examinations are scheduled before the contract is signed. The 40‑year‑old forward, who scored six goals and provided three assists in 11 second‑division matches, is expected to help Schalke maintain its Bundesliga status.

Both extensions were highlighted by Schalke’s sport directors, with Youri Mulder praising Ayhan’s identification with the club and Frank Baumann noting Dzeko’s experience as vital for the team’s objectives.

Entities: Bundesliga · Edin Džeko · Edin Džo · FC Schalke 04 · Frank Baumann · Jesper Lindström · Mertcan Ayhan · Miron Muslić · Robin Gosens · Youri Mulder

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.

[● 2 SOURCES] Edin Džo will undergo medical examinations before his contract with Schalke becomes official.
[● 4 SOURCES] Mertcan Ayhan signed a contract with FC Schalke 04 until 30 June 2030. (FC Schalke 04)
[● 4 SOURCES] The Ayhan contract contains no release clause. (FC Schalke 04)
[● 2 SOURCES] Mertcan Ayhan was born on 8 September 2006 in Gelsenkirchen and is 19 years old.
[● 2 SOURCES] Edin Džo will become Schalke’s highest‑paid player after signing.
[DISPUTED] Edin Džo signed a one‑year contract with Schalke 04 with a base salary of about €900,000, potentially rising to €1.3 million with bonuses. (FC Schalke 04)
[○ 1 SOURCE] Robin Gosens transferred to Schalke 04 after months of preparation; the deal involves no loan fee and includes a purchase obligation that triggers only if certain performance criteria are met. (FC Schalke 04)
[● 2 SOURCES] Dzeko's base salary is about €900,000 per year, with potential total earnings up to €1.3 million including bonuses.
[● 2 SOURCES] Sport director Youri Mulder praised Ayhan's identification with Schalke and his attitude.
[● 3 SOURCES] Dzeko will undergo medical examinations before the contract is finalized.
[● 4 SOURCES] Ayhan's contract contains no release clause.
[● 3 SOURCES] Edin Dzeko signed a one‑year contract with Schalke 04.