FC Schalke 04: Steven Skrzybski officially joins Fortuna Dusseldorf on loan

FC Schalke 04 forward Steven Skrzybski had found it difficult to obtain playing time in the Bundesliga, so he was linked with a move deal away from the club for the season’s Ruckrunde. Now, he will get a chance to lead the line for rivals Fortuna Dusseldorf.

Although there were whispers that Steven Skrzybski could have a dream reunion with Union Berlin, the Bundesliga newcomers have played so well in 2019-2020 that they didn’t need to make any purchases in the winter transfer market. However, the FC Schalke 04 striker attracted interest from a few other Bundesliga clubs and has signed a loan deal with an option to buy.

Fortuna Dusseldorf lost two star forwards this summer in Dodi Lukebakio and Benito Raman, with the latter being a breakout star for Schalke this season. So it only made sense for them to be the ones to take a flier on Skrzybski.

After rumors indicated that deal was imminent, Fortuna officially announced Skrzybski’s acquisition on a loan deal with an option to buy on Friday morning.

According to a report from BILD, via Schalke Daily, the option to buy would cost Fortuna only 1.5 million euros. It’s a reasonable fee for Skrzybski, and it means that if he plays decently well, Fortuna will likely keep him around for good.

If Skrzybski tears it up against all expectations, then perhaps Schalke will consider keeping him around. But at this point, it’s hard to see the 27-year-old having a place in the Royal Blues’ future plans. They already have a standout in Raman and a pair of young stars in Rabbi Matondo and Ahmed Kutucu. Skrzybski isn’t better than any of those three players, so Schalke are simply getting rid of someone who had no place in the squad.

Hopefully, Skrzybski has a successful Ruckrunde with Fortuna and gets back on form in the German top flight. Fortuna have one talented striker in Rouwen Hennings, who scored a memorable hat-trick in a 3-3 draw with Schalke, but they could use Skrzybski.