FC Schalke 04 already have one young center back on the precipice of world-class status in Ozan Kabak, in addition to three quality veterans. But that hasn’t stopped them from being linked to a rising star in Serie A.
Benjamin Stambouli and Matija Nastasic should be ready to return for the start of the Ruckrunde on Jan. 17 against fellow top-five side Borussia Monchengladbach after suffering injuries, and star center back Salif Sane will return later in the season. But FC Schalke 04 are still being linked to center backs in the winter transfer window.
A reunion with Naldo, who hasn’t done much with Monaco this season, would be the most likely option. However, Schalke may have designs on a younger option who has the upside to be a top center back in a handful of years.
According to a report from Tuttosport, the Royal Blues have interest in Juventus defender Merih Demiral, who has enjoyed three quality starts in Serie A for the league favorites. It isn’t easy to make starts in Maurizio Sarri’s defense, which boasts longtime star Leonardo Bonucci and the best young center back in the world in Matthijs de Ligt.
However, Demiral has been fantastic in his three appearances, and the 21-year-old looks like the next impact defender to come from Serie A.
It’s unclear how much Demiral would cost Schalke, whose strongest position is at center back. Transfermarkt lists his value at 20 million euros, which would be above what the Royal Blues paid for Ozan Kabak from VfB Stuttgart. But that’s understandable, since players from Juve are generally more expensive than players from a newly-relegated side.
Demiral has averaged a combined three tackles and interceptions per game with 4.3 clearances per game, per WhoScored.com.
It’s unlikely Schalke can pull off this deal at any point, let alone this winter. But it’s great to see the Royal Blues linked to such a talented young player. If they could snag Demiral, they would have one of the best young center back duos in Europe with fellow Turkey international Kabak currently playing better football than any other defender in the Bundesliga right now.