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

FC Schalke 04 wanted to present its new right-back on Monday. But the deal with Koffi Kouao from FC Metz fell through on the home straight. Kouao had even completed the athletic part of the medical check at the Berger Feld training ground on Sunday. However, an offer from Croatian top club Dinamo Zagreb caused the 25-year-old to leave on Monday. Schalke are now looking for another right-back and may have already found one.

As reported by “Sky”, Schalke are looking at Fabien Centonze from 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 at FC Nantes with few appearances

A loan deal until next summer is being discussed. Centonze is under contract at Nantes until June 30, 2027, but has barely featured in the first half of the current season. The 1.82-meter winger has only made three appearances in Ligue 1 so far. For the most part, Centonze was not even in the squad. Now he could get playing time at Schalke.

The relegation-threatened second division club has until next Thursday to sign new players. That’s when the second transfer window closes in most European countries.

Schalke must act on the right side of defense

It is well known that Schalke are still looking for reinforcements on the right flank. At right-back is where Schalke’s coach Karel Geraerts sees the greatest need for action. However, only a loan deal will be possible this winter. Wilmots ruled out any permanent signings on Friday evening after the 4-1 league defeat at 1. FC Kaiserslautern for financial reasons. “We have no opportunity to make transfers. We have to do it with this squad.”

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