FC Schalke 04 extend with Max Grüger until 2028

“Max has developed impressively since joining the first team during pre-season. He has made the crucial leap from talent to professional footballer with regular playing time,” said Youri Mulder, Schalke’s director of professional football. “At the same time, Max understands that there are still many areas where he needs to improve, and he works on those every day. We will continue to support him in every way possible.”

Grüger’s journey epitomises an essential element of Schalke’s sporting strategy, Mulder continued: “Having gone from the U9s to the first team, Max is a perfect example of the excellent work being done in our Knappenschmiede. Whether it was under Norbert Elgert in the U19s, Jakob Fimpel, who threw him in at the deep end in Münster, or Kees van Wonderen, who places great trust in Max – everyone involved can be proud of this outcome.”

For Grüger, who grew up just a few kilometres from the VELTINS-Arena, the successful journey in Gelsenkirchen continues: “Schalke is my club. I’ve been a fan since childhood and a proud player here for 12 years now. I’m looking forward to the years ahead and still have big plans with Schalke. I would like to thank the management for their complete trust in me.”

Grüger joined the Royal Blues from SSV Buer in 2012. He has since won the German Championship with Schalke’s U17s in 2022, become a Germany U19 and U20 international, and signed his first professional contract. The central midfielder has made ten appearances in the 2. Bundesliga, scoring one goal.