Overview
- Sport Bild, relayed by Ran.de and DerWesten.de, reports Schalke holds a unilateral option to extend Ayhan’s contract to 2029 without the player's consent.
- Ayhan signed a new agreement in the summer running to 2028 that includes no release clause.
- The reported mechanism provides the club with added planning security and potential leverage in future transfer negotiations.
- A Schalke academy product since 2014, Ayhan broke into the first team this season following Timo Becker’s internal ligament injury.
- Becker’s return could increase selection pressure and limit Ayhan’s minutes, even as the coach and captain publicly endorse the teenager’s development.