WAZ reports that Schalke have shown interest in Paderborn’s Ron Schallenberg. The 24-year-old has already attracted interest from VfB Stuttgart and Augsburg.

Schallenberg’s advisor Roland Braun opened up about his future: “I can reveal that some Bundesliga players are interested in Ron. Although he is happy in Paderborn, of course, he is attracted by the next step: the Bundesliga.” Schalke’s interest in Schallenberg stems from the fact that they are unlikely to keep Alex Kral whose loan from Spartak Moscow expires in the summer.

Schallenberg’s contract expires in 2024 so this is the last season that Paderborn will be able to sell from a position of strength. However, this could all change if Paderborn get promoted themselves as they currently sit fourth in the 2. Bundesliga. 

Stuttgart are interested in the 24-year-old as they look for a defensive-minded player who can allow Wataru Endo to play further forward. They were interested in Joshua Guilavogui to fill this role but have been using Anton Karazor since the beginning of the year. 

Augsburg are also looking at a more defensive-minded midfielder as Carlos Gruezo left in January for San Jose Earthquakes in the MLS and the defensive midfielders they currently have are either old Julian Baumgartlinger and Tobias Strobl or injury-prone Niklas Dorsch. 

GGFN | Jack Meenan