Schalke was willing to transfer Anton Donkor, a 28-year-old German-Ghanaian left-back who is a high earner at the club. According to BILD information, a deal with Heidenheim did not go through on Deadline Day. The transfer was dependent on Heidenheim first sending Leart Paçarada to Osnabrück, but that move failed at the last moment. Consequently, the deal for Donkor, who was considered the replacement, also failed, resulting in him remaining at Schalke. A previously negotiated move to OFI Crete had also not been completed. Donkor has been capped four times for Germany's U20 team, has a contract with Schalke until June 30, 2027, and a current Transfermarkt valuation of €400k.