Schalke 04 are currently the frontrunners to sign Elias Havel, the 23-year-old forward from TSV Hartberg, according to reports in the Austrian newspaper Kurier. The Bundesliga side are seeking to secure the services of the former Austrian U-21 international, who recently became a permanent Hartberg player after a successful loan spell from Linzer AK.
Hartberg activated their €300,000 purchase option to sign Havel permanently, but are now prepared to sell him on for a significant profit with his contract set to expire in one year. The club is reportedly aiming for a new record transfer fee, exceeding their current high of €1.3 million. This strategy reflects Hartberg’s business model of developing and selling promising talent.
Havel enjoyed a prolific season with Hartberg, scoring 16 goals and providing 4 assists in 33 appearances across all competitions. His goalscoring record has attracted interest from other clubs, most notably 1. FC Köln, who are also monitoring the situation. However, Schalke 04 have reportedly moved ahead in negotiations with Hartberg to secure Havel’s signature.
Schalke 04 are undergoing a period of rebuilding following their relegation from the Bundesliga in 2023, and a proven goalscorer like Havel would be a valuable addition to their attack. The club, now playing in the 2. Bundesliga, will be hoping to mount a promotion challenge next season and Havel’s arrival could significantly bolster their chances. Securing Havel would provide a focal point in attack and offer a dynamic presence in the final third.
The potential transfer fee remains undisclosed, but Hartberg’s ambition to break their transfer record suggests a deal worth at least €1.3 million is likely. Further negotiations will be needed to finalize the terms of the transfer and personal agreements with Havel. The move could represent a significant step up in Havel’s career, offering him the opportunity to play for a historically prominent club with ambitions of returning to the top flight.
