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FC Schalke 04 interested in Union Berlin star striker

By Kevin Parvizi

PADERBORN, GERMANY - DECEMBER 14: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Sebastian Andersson of 1. FC Union Berlin looks on during the Bundesliga match between SC Paderborn 07 and 1. FC Union Berlin at Benteler Arena on December 14, 2019 in Paderborn, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)
PADERBORN, GERMANY - DECEMBER 14: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Sebastian Andersson of 1. FC Union Berlin looks on during the Bundesliga match between SC Paderborn 07 and 1. FC Union Berlin at Benteler Arena on December 14, 2019 in Paderborn, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images) /
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FC Schalke 04 have a trio of talented young strikers in Ahmed Kutucu, Rabbi Matondo, and breakout star Benito Raman, but they could use a veteran upgrade in the winter or summer transfer windows.

Benito Raman has scored in each of his past four games for FC Schalke 04, and the Belgium international has been a key part of the solution for Die Knappen in the attack. However, the Royal Blues could use a better veteran striker than Mark Uth or Guido Burgstaller, as the former has struggled with injuries and the latter has yet to score a goal in 2019-2020.

According to BILD, via Schalke Daily, Die Knappen have interest in 28-year-old Sebastian Andersson, who plays his club football for Union Berlin. Schalke should be familiar with Andersson’s talent, as he threatened the Royal Blues with seven aerial duels won and four shots in Union’s 2-1 loss to the team.

Andersson is on an expiring contract, so he would be available for a free transfer in 2020-2021. He’s scored five goals in his last five games for Union and has been a crucial part in the team’s success so far this season. Union look like sure bets to remain in the Bundesliga after their first season back in Germany’s top flight.

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Schalke have an established starter in Raman and two young strikers in Rabbi Matondo and Ahmed Kutucu who are on the precipice of becoming key starters. But the Royal Blues want to examine all avenues and potential upgrades up front, so the interest in Andersson is understandable.

The Sweden international has scored 8 goals in 15 Bundesliga appearances this season. Andersson is the type of clinical finisher who can move on to a bigger club like Die Knappen, and while he isn’t as exciting as Matondo or Kutucu, nor as big of a name as Real Madrid loan option Mariano Diaz, he could be a more effective veteran option than either Uth or Burgstaller.