Adil Aouchiche joins Schalke on free and outlines big plans after Sunderland exit | OneFootball

Adil Aouchiche has left Sunderland for Schalke on a free transfer completed on deadline day, with the midfielder talking up big plans alongside the Bundesliga 2 leaders, pushing for promotion after 20 matches.

“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.” He was speaking to Schalke’s official website.

Aouchiche had spent the first half of the season on loan at Aberdeen. Because he filled Sunderland’s sixth and final foreign loan slot, that spell was ended early so he could complete his move to Germany. The decision enabled Simon Adingra to join AS Monaco on loan, clearing the path for Sunderland to bring in Ecuador winger Nilson Angulo.

Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said a permanent switch offered the player a longer-term project, praised his qualities and work ethic, and thanked him.

Schalke director of professional football Youri Mulder described Aouchiche as a good fit for their approach, citing his intensity, intelligence, physicality and acceleration, plus his willingness to take risks on the ball.

Aouchiche signed from FC Lorient in 2023 and made 38 appearances for Sunderland, scoring two goals and providing two assists. He spent last season on loan at Championship side Portsmouth, then moved to Aberdeen last June, recording three goals and two assists in 30 outings.

Source: Sunderland Echo