Justin Heekeren is about to leave FC Schalke 04. Only the final formalities now stand in the way of a new signing in goal.

On Thursday, Justin Heekeren was back on the training ground with the FC Schalke 04 pros. During the recovery session, which included lots of small soccer competitions, he showed off his skills with the ball. After recovering from a muscle injury, Schalke’s number two is ready to return to the bench as a substitute for regular goalkeeper Loris Karius. The 1.96-meter-tall goalkeeper, whose contract expires on June 30, 2026, is very likely to move to Belgian traditional club RSC Anderlecht. Schalke already have a replacement lined up. Heekeren’s Schalke contract runs until June 2026, but it was considered very unlikely within the club that it would be extended. Heekeren had several offers for the summer, but he is now moving in the winter. At Anderlecht, Heekeren will initially be the substitute goalkeeper, replacing Mads Kikkenborg, who is moving to Norway.

The clear number one at the fourth-placed Jupiler Pro League club is 33-year-old captain Colin Coosemans, who has played in every game this season but has not been flawless. A decent future prospect at a traditional club that regularly plays in Europe – this is a career leap for Heekeren.

Schalke would not actually need to replace Heekeren in goal if he leaves. Home-grown players Luca Podlech and Johannes Siebeking are fit. However, as Schalke believe they are more likely to step in in the medium term in the event of an injury to Karius, they are bringing in Kevin Müller from Bundesliga club 1. FC Heidenheim as Heekeren’s replacement, as Sky first reported.

The 34-year-old Müller, whose contract runs until 2027, is to be loaned out until the end of the season. A final agreement is said to have been reached, with the medical check scheduled for tomorrow, Monday. After that, the Bundesliga-experienced goalkeeper is expected to sign on the dotted line.

Schalke candidate Müller: Nine years as first-choice goalkeeper in Heidenheim

Müller has been wearing the Heidenheim jersey since 2015, helping them rise from the 2nd to the 1st Bundesliga. He was the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper for nine years, playing 330 competitive games for FCH. This season, however, Müller lost his place to Diant Ramaj. During the winter break, he received several offers. The Schalke offer was apparently the most attractive for the avid fan of the NFL team Seattle Seahawks.