FC Schalke 04: Matija Nastasic shoots down rumors of Serie A transfer

FC Schalke 04 fans have been glued to the rumor mill over the past couple of weeks with the January transfer window approaching, and they’ll be happy to hear that a key part of their defense won’t be moving teams any time soon.

Although he isn’t a starter for FC Schalke 04, Matija Nastasic is more than capable of starting for most Bundesliga sides. The Serbia international has been solid when called into action this season, but an Achilles’ injury and a knee injury have prevented Nastasic from making a regular impact.

Nastasic has been sorely missed over the past few weeks in his absences, as Weston McKennie’s dislocated shoulder has hurt Schalke’s center back depth even more. McKennie was the emergency option with Nastasic, Benjamin Stambouli, and Salif Sane all out with injuries, forcing Bastian Oczipka to cover from left back at center back next to rising star Ozan Kabak.

But Nastasic should be healthy to start the Ruckrunde against the dangerous Borussia Monchengladbach, while Stambouli will also be close to returning.

In the meantime, however, fans have been quietly worried about Nastasic leaving to a Serie A side due to rampant rumors.

Nastasic denied these rumors in a heartfelt Instagram post to the fans, stating he “owes” Schalke “a lot” and looks to “work hard” with his teammates to achieve all of the club’s goals. Given that Schalke are still sleepers in the Bundesliga title race and could very well return to the Champions League in 2020-2021, Nastasic has plenty to work towards.

The 26-year-old is a rock at the back for the Royal Blues whenever he starts and has saved a couple of goals this season. Nastasic is a capable passer in David Wagner’s system and had been a near-perfect complement to Kabak. Here’s to hoping for good health and opportunities to shine for Nastasic in 2020.