Gelsenkirchen – Schalke 04 has parted ways with midfielder Amin Younes, the club announced on Wednesday, . The decision, reached by mutual consent, effectively ends Younes’s tenure with the 2. Bundesliga side with immediate effect, despite his contract originally running until the end of the current season.
Limited Opportunities Drove the Decision
Sporting director Frank Baumann explained the rationale behind the move, stating that Younes’s opportunities for playing time had diminished following a successful winter transfer window for Schalke. “After what, from our point of view, was a very successful winter transfer window, the chances of playing time for Amin are very limited, which in turn does not correspond to his personal ambition. Accordingly, we want to give him the opportunity to use, among other things, the last chances that the still-open winter transfer window offers,” Baumann said. He thanked Younes for his contributions over the past year and a half and wished him well for the future.
The move suggests Schalke is prioritizing squad depth and competition for places as they navigate the remainder of the season. While Younes’s departure reduces options, it appears the club believes the benefit of allowing him to seek regular football elsewhere outweighs keeping him as a peripheral figure.
Younes Expresses Gratitude
Younes himself expressed gratitude for his time at Schalke, acknowledging the experiences he gained and thanking the club’s officials, coaching staff, teammates, and supporters. “I am very grateful for my time at Schalke and the experiences I was able to gather here. My special thanks go to those in charge, the coaching team, my teammates and, above all, the fans for their support. I wish the club all the best and much success for the remaining games of the season and for the future,” Younes stated.
A Mixed Spell in Gelsenkirchen
During his time with Schalke, Younes made 31 appearances, scoring two goals and providing three assists. He rejoined the club in , returning to a familiar environment after a career that has taken him across Europe. Prior to his second spell at Schalke, Younes had played for clubs including Ajax, Napoli, Eintracht Frankfurt, Al-Ettifaq, and Utrecht.
His career began at Borussia Mönchengladbach, where he progressed through the youth ranks and made his senior debut in . He then spent time on loan at Kaiserslautern before establishing himself as a key player at Ajax, winning the 2019-20 Coppa Italia with Napoli. Loan spells followed at Eintracht Frankfurt and Utrecht before his return to Schalke.
Looking Ahead for Schalke
Schalke currently finds itself in a challenging position in the 2. Bundesliga. A recent 3-3 draw against Fürth, described as a game filled with “drama and controversy,” highlights the team’s struggles for consistency. The club will be hoping that the departure of Younes and any further adjustments to the squad during the transfer window will contribute to improved performances and a climb up the league table.
Baumann’s comments suggest Schalke is actively seeking to refine its squad, prioritizing players who will contribute consistently to the team’s objectives. The decision to allow Younes to move on, despite his contract status, underscores the club’s commitment to building a competitive team capable of achieving its goals.
The immediate impact of Younes’s departure on Schalke’s tactical setup remains to be seen. He primarily featured as a winger or attacking midfielder, offering creativity and attacking threat. His absence will likely require adjustments from coach Karel Geraerts, potentially opening opportunities for other players within the squad.
Younes now faces the task of finding a new club where he can secure regular playing time and continue his career. His experience and versatility will undoubtedly make him an attractive option for teams across Europe, and potentially beyond. The coming weeks will be crucial as he explores his options and seeks a new challenge.
