Schalke contacted Jonas Meffert, the 30-year-old German midfielder and leader at HSV, to consider replacing Ron Schallenberg. Meffert was considered a potential new signing but he has recently become vice-captain at the Bundesliga club HSV and played in the Pokal match against Pirmasens. Schalke's interest in Meffert was reported by BILD. His contract with HSV is set to expire on June 30, 2026, and his market value is estimated by Transfermarkt to be €1 million.