Miron Muslic has signed a new long-term contract with FC Schalke 04 after guiding the club back to the Bundesliga. The manager's deal was automatically extended until 2028 following the team's 1-0 victory over Fortuna Düsseldorf, which secured automatic promotion. The club confirmed the contract activation as part of the celebrations at a packed Veltins-Arena.
Captain Kenan Karaman scored the decisive goal, his 14th of the season, to seal a return to Germany's top flight for the first time since their relegation in 2023. The win guarantees Schalke a place in the Bundesliga next season, with a chance to clinch the 2. Bundesliga title still pending the result of Paderborn's final match. According to Sky Sports, the atmosphere was one of immense pride and relief after a challenging period for the historic club.
Muslic has been widely credited with engineering a remarkable turnaround. Last season, Schalke finished just three points above the relegation play-off place, and the club has faced significant off-field financial and boardroom instability. His work in transforming the team's fortunes has now been rewarded with a significant show of faith from the club. In a post-match interview with Sky, Muslic expressed his gratitude, stating, "From day one, I had the feeling that I was accepted here just as I am. Always getting back up - that fits Schalke. That’s why I feel so comfortable here."
A key element of Schalke's successful campaign was a bold mid-season tactical shift, a gamble that ultimately paid off. The club also strengthened its squad in the winter transfer window, most notably with the addition of veteran striker Edin Džeko. The 40-year-old Bosnia international made a significant impact, scoring six goals in nine appearances during the critical promotion run-in. When asked about his future and the prospect of a Bundesliga derby against Borussia Dortmund, Džeko remained non-committal, telling reporters, "Let’s see. First, we celebrate. But I am very, very happy that I made the decision to join FC Schalke. We’ve secured our place, and that’s what matters."
For Karaman, the promotion marks a personal redemption after difficult years at the club. The captain spoke emotionally after the final whistle, saying, "The last few years haven’t been easy. Now a huge weight has been lifted. I still can’t believe it. I’m incredibly proud, especially of the team. We absolutely deserved this." The result and the manager's new contract provide a foundation of stability as Schalke prepares for its top-flight return. Attention now turns to planning for the Bundesliga, where Muslic will be tasked with consolidating the club's status after a memorable season.
