Schalke 04 may lose defender Hasan Kurucay to Turkish club Başakşehir

Schalke 04 defender Hasan Kurucay, 28, who joined the club on a free transfer from OH Leuven in 2025, has attracted interest from Istanbul Başakşehir. Negotiations between the Turkish Süper Lig side and Schalke have begun, but the German club has not confirmed any deal. Kurucay’s contract runs until 30 June 2027 with no release clause, and coach Miron Muslic values him as the team’s top centre‑back. Schalke faces financial pressure and must decide whether to keep their defensive key player or sell him to raise funds.

In the same period, 3. Liga side Viktoria Köln reinforced its back line by signing Kilian Jakob, a 28‑year‑old defender with extensive 3. Liga experience and 17 appearances in the 2. Bundesliga. The club also promoted striker David Otto to vice‑captain; Otto scored 20 goals in 38 matches last season and aims to improve his tally in 2026/27.

Both clubs are navigating squad changes ahead of the new season, with Schalke weighing a potential high‑profile departure and Viktoria Köln strengthening its roster to remain competitive in the third tier.