FC Schalke 04 bids farewell to eight first-team players

Goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow’s loan deal from Hertha BSC agreed at the start of the season has ended, and therefore he will now return to the capital. This also applies to defender Jere Uronen, who joined Schalke during the winter break on loan, and the same goes for midfielder Éder Balanta and attacker Michael Frey. They will all return to their respective parent clubs.

Czech Republic international Alex Král, who is currently under contract at Spartak Moscow, but who was allowed to sign for another club following special dispensation from governing body FIFA, is moving to Union Berlin. It is not yet determined where Maya Yoshida will be going next, but he would only have extended his contract with Schalke if the club had stayed up.

Tom Krauß, who joined S04 last summer and who now returns to parent club RB Leipzig, and winter window signing Moritz Jenz were in a similar position, as both players’ contracts would only have been renewed in the event of survival.

“We’d like to thank each and every departing player. Without them, without the entire team, these last few weeks and months wouldn’t have been possible. It’s always a shame when players leave the club. But we’re working hard to make signings who fill the gaps in our squad and to assemble a team that is well-equipped to deal with the tasks of the coming season,” commented sporting director André Hechelmann.

Alongside the aforementioned players, we are also saying goodbye to translator Charly Belep, who will also leave the club.

The club wishes Alexander Schwolow, Jere Uronen, Éder Balanta, Michael Frey, Alex Král, Maya Yoshida, Tom Krauß, Moritz Jenz and Charly Belep all the best for the future.