Edin Džeko Completes Transfer to FC Schalke 04, Set for Medical and Training

Edin Džeko, the 39-year-old Bosnian striker, has officially arrived in Germany to finalize his transfer to FC Schalke 04. On Wednesday evening, Džeko landed at Düsseldorf Airport at 21:04, where he was welcomed by a small Schalke delegation before heading directly to the club for logistical procedures. He is scheduled to undergo a medical examination on Thursday in Gelsenkirchen, which is the final step before signing his contract.

The transfer agreement has been reached between Schalke and AC Florenz, with Džeko expected to sign a contract running until next summer. Contrary to some Italian reports suggesting a longer deal until 2027, Schalke officials have confirmed a performance-based contract for Džeko. While he will not be the club’s highest earner— that distinction remains with captain Kenan Karaman—significant bonuses await if he helps the team achieve promotion back to the Bundesliga.

Džeko’s move to Schalke comes after his proactive contact with the club last December. Initially considering Paris Saint-Germain, he was eventually persuaded by Schalke’s head coach Miron Muslic, as well as defender Nikola Katic and Sead Kolasinac, who emphasized the potential for reviving Džeko’s career at Schalke. The transfer is seen as a crucial reinforcement for Schalke’s offense, which has lacked firepower recently.

Upon arrival, Džeko warmly interacted with fans, signing autographs and taking photos, signaling a positive start at his new club. If all goes smoothly in his medical assessment, he may start training individually on Thursday and join team sessions by Friday. Schalke, currently leading the Second Bundesliga, is banking on Džeko’s vast experience and scoring abilities to spearhead their promotion ambitions.