Search for right-back continues – new lead points to Nantes

Schalke 04 have to fall back on plan B after the deal with Koffi Kouao fell through. A right-back from FC Nantes is a candidate.

On Monday, FC Schalke 04 wanted to present its new right-back. But the deal with Koffi Kouao from FC Metz fell through in the final stages. Kouao had even completed the athletic part of the medical check at the Berger Feld training ground on Sunday. But an offer from Croatian top club Dinamo Zagreb made the 25-year-old leave again on Monday. Now Schalke is looking for another right-back and could have already found him.

As reported by Sky, Schalke are looking into Fabien Centonze from the French first division club FC Nantes. Initial talks with the 28-year-old have already taken place, and S04 sporting director Marc Wilmots is in favor of signing him.

Schalke: Fabien Centonze has had few appearances at FC Nantes

The option of a loan deal until next summer is on the table. Centonze is under contract in Nantes until June 30, 2027, but barely saw action in the first half of the current season. The 1.82-meter wide player has only made three appearances in Ligue 1 so far. Most of the time, Centonze was not even in the squad. Now he could get the chance to play in the Bundesliga.

The second division club, which is threatened by relegation, has until next Thursday to sign new players. Then the second transfer window will close in most European countries.

Schalke must act on the right side of defense

It is well known that Schalke are still looking for reinforcements for the right side. The Schalke management around coach Karel Geraerts see the greatest need for action at the back right. However, only one loan deal will be possible this winter. On Friday evening after the 1-4 defeat in the league at 1. FC Kaiserslautern, Wilmots ruled out permanent signings for financial reasons. “We have no way of making transfers. We have to do it with this squad.”

So far, Schalke have only been able to present one winter signing: Darko Churlinov (on loan from Burnley). The returnee scored on his debut in Kaiserslautern.