Schalke reportedly tie down young defender Mertcan Ayhan to new long-term deal | OneFootball

Schalke have reportedly secured the long-term future of one of their brightest academy prospects, with Mertcan Ayhan signing a new contract at the Veltins-Arena.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the 19-year-old centre-back has agreed a contract extension that will keep him at the newly promoted Bundesliga club until the summer of 2030. His previous deal had been due to expire in 2028.

A Gelsenkirchen native, Ayhan has been with Schalke since joining the club’s academy in 2014 and has progressed through every youth level. He broke into the first-team squad under Miron Muslić last summer and quickly established himself as a regular, making 27 appearances in the 2. Bundesliga and accumulating 1,938 minutes across the campaign.

The new deal is another significant boost for Schalke as they continue preparations for their return to the Bundesliga, with the club eager to retain the core of a squad that secured promotion.

Meanwhile, veteran striker Edin Džeko is also reportedly close to signing a new one-year contract, with the 40-year-old expected to continue helping out in attack as Schalke gear up for life back in Germany’s top flight.