Ralf Fährmann is still under contract at Schalke until 2025. He is not thinking of leaving – rather the opposite is the case.

For about a year now, Ralf Fährmann has only been a substitute goalkeeper at FC Schalke 04.

The 34-year-old, who has already played 200 times for S04 in the Bundesliga, still sees his future in Gelsenkirchen despite his reserve role.

“I extended my contract a year and a half ago – and I’ve accommodated the club financially. When I sign something, I stand by it” the goalkeeper told Sportbild.

Fährmann is contractually bound to S04 until the summer of 2025 and he can even imagine remaining a Schalker for longer. “I believe that I can give a lot to this club – even beyond my active career,” Fährmann explained.

Ralf Fährmann hopes for a “fair chance” at Schalke

However, Fährmann is still a professional with the Königsblauen and he hopes to play more games in the Bundesliga for his heart’s club. Fährmann countered speculation that he is no longer mentally ready to play for Schalke. “Just the fact that I’m normally on the bench every weekend and ready to play at any time – that’s the end of the question for me,” said the substitute goalkeeper. “I played in the Champions League with this club, I played probably the worst second half of the relegation season ever with this club. I’m already very solidified there.”

Under new coach Thomas Reis, he continues to wait for a “fair chance to show what I’m made of”. Fährmann is convinced that he is still very important for the team. Under both Reis and his predecessor Frank Kramer, however, the 34-year-old Schalke player has not yet had the opportunity to prove himself in the Bundesliga. Alexander Schwolow is currently the Schalker goalkeeper of choice – although the 30-year-old player on loan from Hertha BSC has not played a flawless season.