FC Schalke 04 have completed the signing of Germany international Robin Gosens from Fiorentina. The 32-year-old joins the Bundesliga club on an initial loan agreement that includes clauses for a permanent transfer.
Italian reports suggest the deal contains an obligation to buy for approximately €2.5 million plus add-ons. Gosens, who has won 24 caps for Germany, will wear the number 8 shirt at the Veltins-Arena.
Bitter exit from Florence
The move follows a turbulent end to Gosens’ time in Italy. New Fiorentina coach Fabio Grosso excluded the defender from his squad during pre-season, despite the player holding a contract until June 2028. Gosens revealed he was told not to attend training and was denied the opportunity to compete for his place.
In an emotional farewell message, Gosens expressed his bitterness at the handling of his departure. “I did not expect it to end this way. I still don’t understand what happened,” he stated. “The drastic decision to exclude me from the squad struck me deeply, because I think this story deserved a different ending. I would’ve loved the opportunity to fight for my place, but there’s no point fighting when there is no possibility of victory.”
Despite the disappointment, Gosens thanked supporters and staff in Florence for his time at the club, which began in 2024 following spells at Atalanta, Inter Milan and a previous stint in Germany with Union Berlin.
Return to the Bundesliga
For Schalke, the capture represents a significant addition of experience and leadership. Youri Mulder, the club’s Director of Professional Football, highlighted Gosens’ qualities upon confirming the move.
“We are very happy that Robin Gosens has chosen to join us. We are getting a player of immense quality and a true leader for our team,” Mulder said. “His impressive career – from underrated talent to key player on the international stage – makes him a role model who, in our opinion, is a perfect fit for Schalke 04 and our fans. On the pitch, he brings passion, a goal threat, and tremendous stamina.”
Gosens, who supported Schalke as a child, said the club’s clear vision convinced him to make the switch. “Schalke 04 and its management made a real effort to sign me. They outlined their plan and explained exactly what my role would be and what they expect from me. That was absolutely convincing,” he explained. “Everyone knows I have a special connection to Schalke. I want to lead by example and take on responsibility.”
The arrangement allows Schalke to bolster their squad with proven top-flight quality, while Gosens secures the regular football denied to him in Italy ahead of the new Bundesliga campaign.