Overview
- Sporting director Frank Baumann said Schalke will not sell Ayhan in the January window despite reported interest from AS Roma.
- Transfermarkt’s pre-Christmas update lifted Ayhan’s valuation from €400,000 to €4 million, surpassing Kaan Ayhan’s €3 million.
- After stepping in when Timo Becker was injured on matchday six, Ayhan has started every league match since his debut cameo on opening day.
- Ayhan anchors a back line that has conceded only 10 goals in 17 games, the best defensive record in the 2. Bundesliga.
- Coach Miron Muslic faces a selection call among in-form center-backs Nikola Katic and Hasan Kuruçay, with vice-captain Becker also pushing for minutes and recently used on the right.