Schalke strikes again in the transfer market. Center back Hasan Kurucay is expected to sign shortly. He is available on a free transfer and familiar with the second division.

A few days before the start of the new second division season, FC Schalke 04 is set to strengthen its defense once again. The Royal Blues are on the verge of signing Hasan Kurucay. This editorial team can confirm a corresponding Sky report. The 27-year-old is expected to sign a contract with the Gelsenkirchen club this week.

Kurucay is available on a free transfer. Last season, he played for Belgian first division club OH Leuven, where he did not renew his contract. In the Jupiler Pro League, the right-footed player made 18 appearances for the Belgians last season (one goal, one red card).

Interesting for Schalke: The former Turkish international, who also has a Danish passport, is already familiar with the 2. Bundesliga. From January 2023 to September 2024, the defender was under contract with Eintracht Braunschweig. He played in 44 competitive games for the Lions and scored four goals. For weeks, club officials have been saying that they want to strengthen their central defense – they were actually looking for a left-footed player who could fill the left position in the back three. During preseason, Knappenschmiede youth product Mertcan Ayhan (18) proved himself in this position and recommended himself for playing time. Another new signing would mean that the top talent would return to a backup role for the time being. Timo Becker (28) and Nikola Katic (28) are both regulars and the vice-captains behind Kenan Karaman. Kurucay is also planned as a potential regular for the Royal Blues.