Schalke identify Habesoglu as attacking option
FC Schalke 04 have entered the race to sign Ali Habesoglu from Bodrum FK as the newly promoted Bundesliga club plots its recruitment strategy. Sportitalia journalist Lorenzo Lepore reports that Schalke are closely monitoring the 21-year-old forward, viewing him as a potential solution to their attacking requirements.
The German outfit’s interest is directly linked to the uncertain future of Edin Dzeko. The experienced striker has not yet committed to staying at the club, prompting Schalke to explore alternatives should the veteran depart. Habesoglu, a right-footed striker, has emerged as one of the names under consideration to bolster the squad’s offensive options ahead of their return to the top flight.
The Bodrum FK forward enjoyed a productive season in the Turkish second tier, contributing twelve goals and five assists. These figures have marked him out as one of the division’s rising talents, attracting interest from across Europe despite his relative youth.
Concrete offers submitted as competition grows
While Schalke are assessing their options, they face significant competition for Habesoglu’s signature. Danish Superliga champions Midtjylland and Swiss club BSC Young Boys are also tracking the forward, though neither has yet advanced to the offer stage.
More pressing for Bodrum FK are the formal approaches already received. Turkish Süper Lig side Trabzonspor, French club Le Mans FC, and UAE Pro League outfit Al Wasl have all submitted concrete offers for the striker. This places the Turkish club in a position where they must evaluate tangible bids while further enquiries continue to arrive.
Any deal will prove costly for interested parties. Habesoglu is tied to Bodrum FK on a long-term contract that runs until 2030, granting the second-tier Turkish club substantial leverage in negotiations. With several years remaining on his current deal, Bodrum are under no immediate pressure to sell unless their valuation is met.
The situation leaves Schalke with a decision to make. They must determine whether to formalise their interest with an offer that can compete with those already on the table, or risk losing the promising forward to one of the rival clubs who have already made their move in the transfer market.