Why Schalke need to extend Daniel Caligiuri’s contract soon
Daniel Caligiuri has been one of FC Schalke 04’s most important players over the last few seasons, so signing him to a contract extension is imperative.
Last Sunday, FC Schalke 04 were pushed to their limit on the road against Augsburg, but they managed to pull out a 3-2 victory to keep up the pace in the tight Bundesliga title – and Champions League – race. The Royal Blues can do some serious damage this season, and this resilient win was more evidence that they have what it takes to finish in the top four.
Schalke received a big boost from Daniel Caligiuri, who came off the bench early in the game to replace Salif Sane, who suffered a multi-month knee injury. Although Caligiuri wasn’t playing to his usual standard, he still managed to find a way to change the game despite not being at his best.
Caligiuri set up the first own goal after a dangerous free kick from the left side, and his second-half assist for the 2-2 equalizer – and Ozan Kabak’s first goal in his first start for Schalke – was even better. As his incredible goal during last spring’s Revierderby can attest, Caligiuri is one of the best set piece takers in the Bundesliga, whether he’s setting up a teammate or going for goal on his own.
But the Royal Blues have a decision to make with Caligiuri, who is now 31 years old but not showing signs of a noticeable decline. Caligiuri’s contract will expire at the end of the 2019-2020 season, so Schalke need to work on getting him extended.
The versatile wide man, who can play as a winger or wing back but has also made appearances as a center midfielder, has confirmed contract talks with the club. He added that he’s been enjoying his three seasons in Gelsenkirchen and wants to do everything in his power to make sure that he doesn’t mess up a good thing.
Schalke should feel the same way. The club has benefited immensely from Caligiuri’s experience in the Bundesliga, his technical quality, his versatility, his defending, tenacity, set pieces, and leadership. The man has been the jack-of-all-trades for the club, and he now holds a special place in the hearts of the supporters.
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Caligiuri stuck through the tough times last season and was one of the club’s lone bright spots in a year in which they were threatened by relegation. This season, he’s taken something of a backseat in terms of importance, especially with Jonjoe Kenny emerging as a true right back, but his presence has still been felt. That was clear with his two assists against Augsburg.
The Royal Blues have to make sure they extend Caligiuri for a couple of more seasons, because the right-sided maestro has shown that he still has a few more quality seasons left in him. He deserves to have a shot at retiring with the club. From being one of the Bundesliga’s best players when Schalke finished second in 2017-2018 to keeping the club afloat last season, Caligiuri has been a valuable member of the club.