FC Schalke 04 has extended the contract of substitute goalkeeper Michael Langer. He is scheduled as number three and yet an important factor for the Königsblauen.

He has only played five competitive games for FC Schalke 04 in six years so far – and yet Michael Langer is indispensable because of his likeable and level-headed manner as well as his important role as a guiding figure in the dressing room. The 38-year-old team senior extended his contract again by one year and will be goalkeeper number three in the 2nd Bundesliga behind Ralf Fährmann and Justin Heekeren.

It is the second personnel decision to be announced at the Königsblauen since sporting director André Hechelmann took office. “The past season has once again shown how much Michael supports the team and how important he is for the team. He leads the way professionally in every situation. He also has a lot of experience and knows what to expect in the fight for promotion to the Bundesliga. Especially for our young players, he should continue to be a contact person and role model in the future,” said Hechelmann.

Coach Thomas Reis also agreed: “Michael gives his all in every training session and always has the ambition to get a bit better. He is an important part of the goalkeeper team, has a keen sense for his teammates and also always has an open ear. I am very happy that he will stay on board and that I can continue to count on him.”

Langer had already completed a trainee programme in the office during the past season to prepare for his career after his career. Now he remains in the professional team: “When I signed for Schalke six years ago, I would never have dreamed that my journey at Schalke would last this long. It’s all the nicer that it has turned out this way. I’m very happy to be on the pitch for the club for another year – I totally identify with the club and its values.”

Langer had arrived from Swedish club IFK Norrköping in 2017. In the relegation season 2020/21, he kept three Schalk goals, in the promotion season 2021/22 he stood between the posts against HSV (1:3) and at Holstein Kiel (3:0).