Džeko Drives Schalke to Bundesliga Return After Crucial Mid-Season Move

Schalke 04 has successfully navigated its return to Germany's top flight, securing promotion to the BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga after a three-year absence. A significant catalyst in this achievement was the mid-season acquisition of veteran striker Edin DžekoPlayer·Edin Džeko, whose immediate impact transformed the club's offensive capabilities and overall trajectory.

Džeko joined Schalke on January 22, 2026, signing a contract until the end of the 2025/26 season. Prior to his move to the German club, the Bosnian international had been with FiorentinaTeam·Fiorentina in Serie ACompetition·Serie A, where he registered 2 goals in 18 appearances across league and Conference LeagueCompetition·Conference League fixtures during the first half of the season. Notably, on October 23, 2025, Džeko etched his name into the record books as the oldest scorer in UEFA Conference LeagueCompetition·Conference League history while playing for the Italian side.

Upon his arrival at Schalke, then competing in the 2. Bundesliga, Džeko wasted no time in making his presence felt. Just three days after signing, he debuted as a substitute against Kaiserslautern, scoring a crucial goal in a 2-2 draw. This strike also marked him as the oldest player to score in the 2. Bundesliga, underscoring his enduring quality and experience. His influence was immediate and profound, especially considering Schalke had managed only nine goals in the nine matches preceding his transfer.

For the remainder of the 2025/26 season, Džeko played 11 games for Schalke, contributing 6 goals and 3 assists. His clinical finishing and leadership were instrumental in a remarkable turnaround for the Gelsenkirchen club. After the winter transfer window, Schalke lost only one of their last 14 games, securing nine victories and ultimately finishing the 2. Bundesliga season in first place. This strong finish, attributed significantly to Džeko's contributions and other strategic winter signings, ensured their return to the BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga.

Reflecting on the achievement, Džeko acknowledged the intensity of the German second tier. "I knew what BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga 2 is about. It's not a normal second tier. You can see the intensity, the great stadiums, and the great fans. On the pitch, every game felt like 50-50. You could never say, 'Ok, we are playing home against rock-bottom, we will easily win'. It's never easy in this league, but obviously, our great fans at this great stadium certainly helped," he stated. He also commented on his future, adding, "Let's see if I'm going to play in the BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga next year. But, for Schalke, it's amazing to be back in the top flight, which I believe they always should be – that's exactly what I said when I arrived."

As Džeko prepares to captain Bosnia and Herzegovina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, his club future beyond his initial contract with Schalke remains a point of discussion. Regardless of his next step, his pivotal role in Schalke's promotion ensures his place in the club's recent history, setting the stage for their re-entry into Germany's premier football competition for the 2026/27 season.