# Schalke secures Džeko extension and Gosens reunion > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/schalke-04-edin-deko-contract-talks > Updated: 2026-09-09T05:50:00.000Z. Sources: 112. Developments: 21. Veteran striker Edin Džeko signed a one‑year extension with Schalke 04 through June 2027, rejecting interest from Serie A, MLS and other German clubs. His six goals and three assists in 11 matches were pivotal to the club’s promotion. Following the extension, coach Miron Muslic announced a new leadership structure for the upcoming Bundesliga season, expanding the captaincy to seven players. Džeko will wear the historic number 10 shirt and join club captain Kenan Karaman, goalkeeper Loris Karius, full‑back Robin Gosens, defender Nikola Katić, centre‑back Maximilian Wöber and defender Timo Becker. Muslic said the broader captain group is meant to spread responsibility and inject experience as Schalke consolidates its recovery from recent financial and sporting crises. In July 2026, Schalke secured the future of home‑grown centre‑back Mertcan Ayhan with a contract until 30 June 2030. A week later, the club announced the departure of Uruguayan midfielder Mauro Zalazar, who moved on a free transfer to Croatian side NK Kustošija Zagreb, with Schalke retaining a future sell‑on clause. By August 2026, Džeko finalized his extension following medical examinations. At 40, Džeko noted that while he is beginning to ‘feel his age’, his longevity is due to intensive training. He also expressed excitement about facing former captain Vincent Kompany, now coach of FC Bayern München. Alongside Džeko, Robin Gosens has returned to Schalke from Fiorentina, marking the third time the two players have shared a locker room. In early September 2026, Džeko reflected on his decision to stay with Schalke despite considering retirement and receiving various European offers, stating he chose the club to assist in their stabilization within the top flight. He also praised Kompany’s leadership and transition into coaching. However, by September 9, 2026, Džeko faced limited playing time, appearing only as a substitute in two Bundesliga matches. ## Claims - Edin Džeko will sign a one‑year contract with Schalke 04 that runs until summer 2027. (disputed by 10 sources) - Edin Džeko will sign a new one‑year contract with Schalke 04 until June 2027. (disputed by 4 sources) - Džeko scored six goals and made three assists in eleven matches in the second half of the season, helping Schalke earn promotion. (corroborated by 16 sources) - Edin Džeko is 40 years old. (corroborated by 16 sources) - Edin Džeko is close to signing a one‑year contract with Schalke 04. (corroborated by 14 sources) - Edin Džeko’s previous contract expired on 1 July, leaving him a free agent. (corroborated by 11 sources) - The loan deal for Jesper Lindström collapsed because Napoli refused a purchase option and demanded a mandatory purchase clause. (corroborated by 9 sources) - Jesper Lindström's proposed loan to FC Schalke 04 collapsed. (corroborated by 8 sources) - The proposed base salary is about €900,000, potentially rising to €1.3 million with bonuses. (corroborated by 7 sources) - Jesper Lindström arrived in Germany in early August 2026. (corroborated by 7 sources) - Jesper Lindström travelled to Gelsenkirchen for a medical exam and contract signing before the deal collapsed, after which he returned to Italy. (corroborated by 7 sources) - The collapse was caused by SSC Napoli not honoring verbal agreements and insisting on a mandatory purchase clause instead of a €5 million purchase option. (corroborated by 7 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-09: Edin Džeko awaits increased playing time at Schalke 04 Schalke 04 striker Edin Džeko awaits more playing time as the club struggles to score in the Bundesliga, with manager Miron Muslić currently favoring Moussa Sylla and Hwang Hee-chan. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/edin-deko-awaits-increased-playing-time-at-schalke-04 ### 2026-09-05: Edin Džeko discusses Schalke return and reunion with Vincent Kompany Edin Džeko discusses his reunion with former teammate Vincent Kompany ahead of Schalke's match against Bayern Munich, and explains his decision to join Schalke over retirement. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/edin-deko-discusses-schalke-return-and-reunion-with-vincent-kompany ### 2026-08-16: Robin Gosens returns to Schalke 04 Robin Gosens has returned to Schalke 04, reuniting with Edin Dzeko. He expressed dissatisfaction with his Fiorentina exit but looks forward to the Bundesliga and the Ruhr derby. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/robin-gosens-returns-to-schalke-04-and-reunites-with-edin-dzeko ### 2026-08-14: Edin Dzeko extends contract with FC Schalke 04 At 40, Edin Dzeko has extended his contract with FC Schalke 04, returning to the Bundesliga after helping the club secure promotion. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/edin-dzeko-extends-contract-with-fc-schalke-04 ### 2026-08-11: Schalke 04 extends Edin Dzeko's contract and targets Ermin Mahmic Schalke 04 has extended Edin Dzeko's contract following their Bundesliga promotion and is reportedly targeting Bosnian midfielder Ermin Mahmic to strengthen the squad. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/schalke-04-extends-edin-dzekos-contract-and-targets-ermin-mahmic ### 2026-08-05: Edin Džeko and Robin Gosens reunite at Schalke 04 Robin Gosens praised Edin Džeko in an Instagram post after both reunited at Schalke 04, recalling past successes at Inter Milan and Fiorentina and highlighting their expected impact on the club. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/edin-deko-and-robin-gosens-reunite-at-schalke-04 ### 2026-08-05: Mauro Zalazar signs for NK Kustošija Zagreb from FC Schalke 04 Mauro Zalazar, 21‑year‑old Uruguayan midfielder, leaves FC Schalke 04 for Croatian side NK Kustošija Zagreb on a free transfer with a sell‑on clause. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/schalke-expands-captain-group-to-seven-as-veteran-edin-dzeko-returns-in-iconic-number-10 ### 2026-08-02: Jesper Lindström loan to Schalke collapses after Napoli dispute Jesper Lindström’s loan from Napoli to Schalke collapsed in August 2026 after Napoli changed contract terms, prompting Schalke to withdraw and Napoli to threaten legal action. 47 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/edin-deko-extends-with-schalke-04-as-vfb-stuttgart-stalls-on-denan-pejinovi-deal ### 2026-07-31: Edin Dzeko to sign new contract with Schalke 04 at age 40 Edin Dzeko, aged 40, is set to sign a contract extension with Schalke 04 through 2027 after a medical check, joining an elite group of veteran Bundesliga players and boosting club finances through jersey sales. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/edin-dzeko-to-sign-new-contract-with-schalke-04-at-age-40 ### 2026-07-28: Mertcan Ayhan signs contract with Schalke 04 until 2030 Schalke 04 has extended 19‑year‑old defender Mertcan Ayhan’s contract until June 2030, with no release clause; the home‑grown player made 27 appearances in the promotion season and is praised by sport director 24 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/schalke-04-signs-veteran-striker-edin-dzeko-and-completes-jesper-lindstrm-loan ### 2026-07-26: Edin Dzeko signs new one‑year contract with Schalke 04 Edin Džeko, 40, signs a one‑year contract with Schalke 04 (to 2027), rejecting Serie A/MLS offers; salary €900k‑€1.3 m, budget freed by Maximilian Wöber. 43 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/edin-deko-poised-to-extend-contract-with-schalke-for-next-bundesliga-season ### 2026-07-24: Schalke 04 faces squad trim as Moussa Sylla stays and Edin Dzeko's contract hangs in balance Schalke 04 may cut fringe players as Moussa Sylla stays, while talks continue over Edin Dzeko’s contract, with both outcomes uncertain for the club’s next season. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/schalke-04-faces-squad-trim-as-moussa-sylla-stays-and-edin-dzekos-contract-hangs-in-balance ### 2026-07-21: Edin Džeko negotiates new contract with Schalke in Dubrovnik Edin Džeko, free agent, met Schalke’s Frank Baumann in Dubrovnik; the club offered €900k base (up to €1.3m with bonuses) and wants a decision by early August. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/edin-deko-negotiates-new-contract-with-schalke-in-dubrovnik ### 2026-07-19: Edin Džeko's contract talks with Schalke 04 stall over salary demands Edin Džeko’s salary demands have stalled his contract renewal with Schalke 04; the club cites finances and injury concerns, and no deal is yet in sight. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/edin-deko-and-schalkes-contract-talks-stall-over-salary ### 2026-07-10: Schalke 04 confirms four player exits as Dzeko's future debated Four Schalke transfer targets—Mensah, Havel, Sinani, Behrens—have joined other clubs, while the club evaluates veteran striker Edin Dzeko’s contract amid injury concerns. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/schalke-04-confirms-four-player-exits-as-dzekos-future-debated ### 2026-07-07: Edin Dzeko's Future at Schalke 04 Uncertain After Contract Expiry Edin Dzeko (40), Bosnia’s record scorer, is out of contract with Schalke 04 after a strong but injury‑marred return that helped the club gain promotion. The club must decide on a new deal as he recovers from a 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/edin-dzekos-future-at-schalke-04-uncertain-after-contract-expiry ### 2026-07-02: Schalke 04 debates Edin Dzeko’s future after World Cup injury Edin Dzeko’s World Cup thigh injury and expired contract have Schalke 04 weighing a risky renewal for the 40‑year‑old Bosnian striker. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/schalke-04-debates-edin-dzekos-future-after-world-cup-injury ### 2026-06-26: Schalke debates keeping veteran striker Edin Dzeko, legends weigh in Legends Klaus Fischer and Klaus Fichtel discuss Edin Dzeko’s possible contract extension as Schalke 04 evaluates options, amid broader club updates. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/schalke-debates-keeping-veteran-striker-edin-dzeko-legends-weigh-in ### 2026-06-14: Edin Dzeko's future at Schalke clouded as he hints at retirement Mats Hummels lauds Schalke striker Edin Dzeko as a favourite, while Dzeko hints his playing career may end soon, leaving his future at the newly promoted club uncertain. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/edin-dzekos-future-at-schalke-clouded-as-he-hints-at-retirement ### 2026-06-05: Edin Džeko contract extension talks spark salary hike at Schalke 04 Schalke 04 is negotiating a new deal for Edin Džeko, aiming to boost his salary to about €1.5 million a year to keep the striker after his key role in the club’s promotion and amid his upcoming World Cup duties 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/edin-deko-contract-extension-talks-spark-salary-hike-at-schalke-04 ### 2026-06-02: Schalke 04 offers Edin Džeko contract extension through 2027 with raised salary Schalke 04 has offered striker Edin Džeko a new contract until 2027 with a substantial salary rise, pending his decision after the 2026 World Cup. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/schalke-04-offers-edin-deko-contract-extension-through-2027-with-raised-salary --- Cite as: Schalke secures Džeko extension and Gosens reunion. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/schalke-04-edin-deko-contract-talks