Schalke 04 Signs Adil Aouchiche – 2. Bundesliga Transfer News

Schalke Secure Adil Aouchiche on Permanent Deal

Gelsenkirchen, Germany – February 2, 2026 – FC Schalke 04 have confirmed the permanent signing of midfielder Adil Aouchiche from Sunderland, bolstering their squad as they push for a return to the Bundesliga. The transfer was completed on deadline day, according to the club.

Aouchiche, 23, has signed a contract with Schalke that runs until at least the summer of 2027. He will wear the number 24 shirt for the Royal Blues. The move comes after a period on loan at Aberdeen FC in the Scottish Premiership, where he scored three goals in 20 Scottish Premiership fixtures this season.

Sunderland confirmed Aouchiche’s departure, noting he had been recalled from his loan spell with Aberdeen prior to the transfer. He made a total of 38 appearances for Sunderland across all competitions after joining the club in September 2023.

Schalke director of professional football, Youri Mulder, expressed his enthusiasm for the signing, stating, “Adil fits our playing philosophy perfectly with his intensity and game intelligence. As a box-to-box player, he’ll be an exciting option for us, with his physicality, high work rate and sharp acceleration over the first few yards.” Mulder also highlighted Aouchiche’s ability to read the game, his availability for the ball, and his willingness to attempt risky passes, adding, “We’re really pleased to have him on board.”

Aouchiche himself expressed his excitement about joining Schalke, saying, “When the call came, I was really pleased and excited about the chance to join Schalke. We’ve got big plans, and I want to play my part in making sure we have a successful second half of the season. I want to show that in every training session.”

The Frenchman came through the youth system at Paris Saint-Germain, and has also played for AS Saint-Étienne and FC Lorient. He has a total of 81 Ligue 1 appearances to his name, as well as 48 games in the EFL Championship. He has also represented France at youth levels, making 48 appearances and scoring 21 goals.

Aouchiche’s arrival is Schalke’s fourth signing of the transfer window, following the additions of Edin Džeko, Dejan Ljubicic, and Kevin Müller. The club, currently leading the 2. Bundesliga, is hoping Aouchiche will contribute to their push for promotion back to the Bundesliga.

He could make his debut for Schalke as early as this Saturday when they host Dynamo Dresden.

Alongside Aouchiche, Schalke also secured the signing of Moussa N’Diaye on deadline day. N’Diaye joins on an initial loan deal from Anderlecht and will wear the number 16 shirt.