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Schalke signs Edin Džeko on one-year deal

8/26/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Schalke 04 signed 40-year-old striker Edin Džeko to boost their Bundesliga campaign.
Džeko took a major pay cut and accepted a one-year, bonus-heavy contract.
Džeko scored two goals in Schalke’s 5-2 extra-time DFB Cup win over Hallescher FC.
Džeko added six goals in the 2024-25 2. Bundesliga season, helping secure promotion.
Coach Miron Muslic said Džeko will be a difference-maker in key Bundesliga moments.

History

Historical Context

Jean-Marc Bosman's 1995 European Court of Justice decision—issued on 15 December after RFC Liège demanded a £500,000 fee when his contract expired in 1990—gave EU players freedom to move after contract expiry. The ruling let clubs sign out-of-contract players without fees, shaping contract flexibility across Europe, including in Germany's Bundesliga for years.

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Story summary

Schalke 04 signed 40-year-old striker Edin Džeko to boost their Bundesliga campaign.
Džeko took a major pay cut and accepted a one-year, bonus-heavy contract.
Džeko scored two goals in Schalke’s 5-2 extra-time DFB Cup win over Hallescher FC.
Džeko added six goals in the 2024-25 2. Bundesliga season, helping secure promotion.
Coach Miron Muslic said Džeko will be a difference-maker in key Bundesliga moments.

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