Schalke 04 and partner associations: future of transfers in Gelsenkirchen

Schalke 04 and partner associations: future of transfers in Gelsenkirchen

FC Schalke 04 plunged into an exciting cooperation with two partner clubs in summer: FC Aarau from Switzerland and the Dutch second division club VVV-Venlo. This partnership promises fruitful transfers and strategic planning, but the results have so far been limited.

In conversation with Ruhr24, squad planner Ben Manga commented on the previous developments. According to his explanation, the time frame for the partnerships was a challenge because the clubs were already in the middle of their planning when Schalke announced the cooperation. VVV-Venlo was presented as a partner association on June 3, while the collaboration with FC Aarau was announced on June 28th. Despite these early announcements, there have only been two transfers.

a few transfers, but first successes

The two transfers that have arisen concern Emmanuel Gyamfi and Paul Pöpperl. Both players were awarded to VVV-Venlo and have already played seven games for the Dutch club. This shows that the transfer process can work, but not without prior observations and planning on the part of the partner associations.

"We can't just call and say, 'You take it now.' This is a process," said Ben Manga. The success of these transfers was only possible because VVV-Venlo had previously observed the players. It can therefore be determined that transfers between partner clubs do not work as a quick -implementable solution, but require more time and planning.

a network for the future

A positive aspect of these partnerships is the continuous observation by scouts of the partner associations. Venlo and Aarau have already announced that Gelsenkirchen regularly have to scout players from Schalke's U19 and U23 teams. This suggests that the connection not only provides for short -term transfers, but also a long -term development of young talents.

In winter, further options for playing or obligation could be considered. Ben Manga remember that Schalke could possibly hire players who are not ready for the first team immediately, but would immediately offer added value for FC Aarau. He described this idea as "giving and taking" and suggests an upcoming dynamic in the transfers.

Although the activity on the transfer market is still modest, the partnerships with VVV-Venlo and FC Aarau could start speed in the future. With a more intensive exchange and strategic considerations, Schalke 04 could soon benefit more from this collaboration. In the meantime, it remains to be seen how the situation will develop beyond the upcoming transfer period.