Schalke 04 sign Hasan Kurucay

FC Schalke 04 have strengthened their defence with the signing of Hasan Kurucay, who joins the Royal Blues on a contract running until 30th June 2027. The 27-year-old spent last season playing for Belgian top-flight side OH Leuven, having previously spent a year and a half at Eintracht Braunschweig. He will wear the number 4 shirt at Schalke.

“Hasan is a commanding centre-back who relishes a physical battle and leads with presence. Although right-footed, he’s also very comfortable playing on the left side of central defence, and he knows the 2. Bundesliga. That all-round profile makes him a great fit for us,” said Youri Mulder, director of professional football.

Kurucay commented on his move: “I had some really good conversations with the Schalke management in recent weeks. Based on my previous experience in the 2. Bundesliga and at the stadium here, it was clear to me that I wanted to play for this club.”

43 appearances in the 2. Bundesliga

Born in Odense, Denmark, Kurucay holds both Danish and Turkish citizenship. He began his footballing journey at his hometown club, before joining Naestved in 2017. A move to Turkish side Konyaspor followed, but he later returned to Denmark to join BK Marienlyst. From there, the former Turkey U21 international moved to Norway, where he played for Florø, Strømmen and HamKam. He then made the switch to Germany’s second division, where he made 43 appearances for Eintracht Braunschweig, scoring four goals and assisting two.