Schalke believes that Edin Džeko, the Bosnia-Herzegovina international, could extend his stay for another year if the club fails to secure promotion this season. It is stated that the 40-year-old striker plans to conclude his career with a significant achievement, for example by celebrating promotion to a higher league. This would mean that if Schalke remains in the second division in the 2026/27 season, the chances of Džeko staying increase, even though his current contract expires at the end of the season. Džeko, who joined the club in January 2026, has scored 3 goals in 6 league appearances for Schalke this season. The striker, who has 146 caps and 72 goals for his country, has a current market value of €1.50m according to Transfermarkt.