Rodrigo Zalazar signs permanent deal with FC Schalke 04

“Rodrigo completely identified with Schalke from day one. He’s a player who possesses great quality and he plays the game with real intensity and emotion. He’s also got a great understanding of how to control a game and how to be a deciding factor in matches, so we’re really pleased to continue working with him as he takes the next steps in his career,” commented sporting director Rouven Schröder.

“Everyone knows how much I enjoy playing for Schalke 04, so I’m really happy that I’ll be able to continue playing for such a big club. I’m looking forward to our upcoming matches, and the team and I are going to give it our all during these games,” explained the 22-year-old. “Our goal is clear: We want to gain promotion back to the Bundesliga as soon as possible.”

Zalazar spent the majority of his youth career at Spanish side Malaga CF before Eintracht Frankfurt signed the midfielder from Malaga’s reserves in July 2019. He initially went out on loan to Polish side Korona Kielce before a further loan spell at FC St. Pauli came in summer 2020. Zalazar has been at the Royal Blues since last summer, scoring four goals and registering six assists in 24 appearances so far this season.