Donis Avdijaj has a difficult time at FC Zurich. Now the 26-year-old could return to one of his former clubs.

After only half a year, the chapter FC Zurich seems to be over for Donis Avdijaj (26). As this editorial office can confirm, the former Schalke talent is negotiating a loan transfer with the Austrian first division club TSV Hartberg. Sky Austria is also reporting on the matter. However, there is still no final agreement.

Avdijaj is no stranger to Hartberg, after all, he only left the club in August 2022 to join the Swiss champions. He scored seven times in 23 games for the Austrians. At FC Zurich, he was the desired player of coach Franco Foda, which is why he was used regularly at the beginning of the season. He scored three goals in European Cup matches for the Swiss. After the change of coach to Bo Henriksen at the end of September, however, Avdijaj had a difficult time. In the league, he only made wild card appearances.

FC Zurich also offered Donis Avdijaj to Schalke 04

Despite a long-term contract until 2025 in Zurich, coach Henriksen no longer plans to use the lively offensive player. Avdijaj was not even allowed to travel to the training camp in Turkey at the beginning of January. For several weeks, FC Zurich has been offering the 26-year-old to other clubs for transfer – according to WAZ information, the Swiss even asked Schalke 04, but the Königsblauen waved him off.

Avdijaj was already under contract at Schalke between 2011 and 2018. And especially at youth level, he was able to cause a sensation for the Gelsenkircheners. After scoring records in the U17s, the Königsblauen offered the then top talent a professional contract including an exit clause of 49 million euros. But he was never able to live up to the high expectations at the beginning of his professional career. He only played nine times for Schalke in the Bundesliga (two goals).

After his time at Schalke, Avdijaj sought his fortune at various stations in other European countries.