Timo Becker to return to Schalke this summer

“As one of the team’s captains, Timo is currently fighting for survival with Holstein Kiel in the Bundesliga. With his contract set to expire soon, he had to make a decision about his future from the summer onwards. We’re pleased that he will be back at Schalke as of next season,” said Youri Mulder, director for professional football at FC Schalke 04. “Timo has developed massively over the past few years and has become a real leader for Kiel in the Bundesliga. He will continue to show these qualities in the coming weeks. His strengths are his pace, intensity and passion. We all know what wearing the S04 colours again and taking on an important role within our team will mean to Timo.”

“The fact that my contract was coming to an end in Kiel and that I have a special connection to Schalke is something that has been mentioned a lot in recent weeks. I think it’s important to be open about my decision and now I can fully focus on staying up with Holstein,” said Timo Becker. “Playing for Schalke again from next season will be really special. I was impressed by the club’s plans for our journey together in the coming years.”

Becker, who was born in Herten, played for Erler SV 08 and SSV Buer 07/28 in his youth, before joining the Knappenschmiede in 2007. The right-footed defender spent his next six years at Schalke and then signed for Rot-Weiss Essen’s U17s. After making the step up to senior football at RWE, he returned to Schalke aged 22. Becker played 30 times for S04’s U23s and 39 times for the first team. Five of these appearances came at the start of the 2021/22 season – when Schalke were promoted to the Bundesliga – before he moved on loan to Hansa Rostock. He then transferred to Holstein Kiel and was vice-captain as they won promotion to the top flight last season.