FC Schalke 04 2026/27 season preview: Transfers, pre-season, predicted lineup and predictions

The 2026/27 season promises to be an intriguing one for FC Schalke 04, a club that has shown remarkable resilience and ambition since being relegated to the second tier of German football just five years ago. Under the guidance of manager Miron Muslić, a 43-year-old Austrian-Bosnian, Schalke have returned to the Bundesliga and aim to reclaim their former glory.

In their preseason, Schalke displayed a strong performance with a positive goal differential of +4, scoring 15 goals while conceding only 11. The campaign included friendly matches against diverse opponents, culminating in a victory over LaLiga side Real Madrid CF with a 3-3 draw after extra time, thanks to a penalty from Edin Džeko.

Schalke's transfer strategy has been relatively cautious, with a total spending of €2.65 million. Notable signings include Japanese midfielder Satoshi Tanaka, French-Cameroonian midfielder Junior Dima Ebimbe, Austrian forward Junior Adamu, German goalkeeper Kevin Müller, German defender Robin Gosens, and Austrian defender Maximilian Wöber. Additionally, several Schalke academy graduates have signed professional contracts, including Mika Wallentowitz and Luca Vozar.

Looking at the predicted starting lineup, Schalke can opt for a 4-3-3 formation or a 3-4-2-1, depending on the match situation. The squad composition includes a blend of experienced players and young talent, with an average age of 27.0, the second-oldest in the Bundesliga. Schalke's focus is on avoiding relegation and building a solid foundation for future success, with high expectations set for the city of Gelsenkirchen.