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FC Schalke 04 to sign a striker on loan this winter?

By Kevin Parvizi

MALLORCA, SPAIN - OCTOBER 19: Mariano Diaz of Real Madrid CF looks on prior to the Liga match between RCD Mallorca and Real Madrid CF at Iberostar Estadi on October 19, 2019 in Mallorca, Spain. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
MALLORCA, SPAIN - OCTOBER 19: Mariano Diaz of Real Madrid CF looks on prior to the Liga match between RCD Mallorca and Real Madrid CF at Iberostar Estadi on October 19, 2019 in Mallorca, Spain. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images) /
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FC Schalke 04 have received a string of excellent performances recently from summer signing Benito Raman, but they still have their eyes on an upgrade at the forward position.

With Mark Uth struggling for form and out for the remainder of 2019 with more adductor problems, FC Schalke 04 could look to the transfer market for a striker option. Since FC Schalke 04 have two talented 19-year-olds in Ahmed Kutucu and Rabbi Matondo, a permanent transfer is unlikely. But a loan deal for a more experienced forward with better finishing than Guido Burgstaller could be in the cards.

According to a report from BILD, via “Schalke Daily”, Jochen Schneider and Michael Reschke have been given a budget to sign a striker on loan this winter.

Schalke would like to sign Real Madrid forward Mariano Diaz, who has not played at all for Los Blancos and will either be loaned or sold. A loan deal seems more likely, as rumors have indicated he will take a two-year loan deal this winter but has not yet chosen where he’ll go.

The problem is that Mariano is a valuable forward who once scored 20 goals in a season for Lyon in Ligue 1. If Schalke want him, his wages may push past their budget, since he is a star at one of the world’s finest clubs.

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Mariano has the quality to turn a Schalke team with a strong defense and world-class midfield into the Bundesliga’s best team this season, so the sacrifice in wage budget for this season may be worth it. But because the Royal Blues must also extend star keeper Alexander Nubel, finances have to be kept in check.

It’s unclear which other strikers around Europe could be available for Die Knappen on loan, but the right option could help massively. Raman has shown his quality and both Kutucu and Matondo deserve a shot at starting, but a proper veteran upgrade, such as Mariano, could be the difference for David Wagner.