Overview
- Bosnia and Herzegovina were eliminated from the 2026 World Cup in a 2-0 loss to the USA, and that result shortens the absence of internationals such as Edin Džeko and Nikola Katić from Schalke's preseason.
- Džeko has not been under contract since July 1 and the club had prepared a one‑year offer that was intended to be decided after the tournament.
- The striker picked up a new thigh problem during the knockout defeat and had recently missed time for a shoulder injury, raising fresh durability concerns that increase the club's risk in extending him.
- Schalke are now likely to press for a deal heavy on short duration and performance-related pay to protect limited resources and to ensure availability as they prepare for Bundesliga survival.
- Michael Langer's retention has been confirmed and Schalke begin preseason testing on July 3, with the club now balancing immediate squad planning against medical checks and a quick decision on Džeko.