Schalke: Is this the beginning of the end for Daniel Caligiuri?
FC Schalke 04 midfielder Daniel Caligiuri suffered a serious ligament injury in the DFB Pokal win over Hertha Berlin, and there are now increasing doubts about his future with the Royal Blues.
Recently, FC Schalke 04 signed Bastian Oczipka to an extension through his age-34 season. Oczipka has been one of the most consistent players on the Royal Blues this season, holding down the left back (or center back!) spot on a weekly basis with capable defending and excellent crossing, including four assists.
But while Oczipka already received an extension after being on an expiring contract, the Royal Blues haven’t come to terms on a new deal with Daniel Caligiuri, who has made a home on the opposite flank.
Caligiuri was one of Europe’s best right wing backs under Domenico Tedesco, but he’s shown signs of slowing down this season. The Germany international has shown his versatility by playing in various midfield spots, and WhoScored.com has him tabbed with the second-most key passes, third-most dribbles, and third-most fouls drawn per game.
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Yet while Caligiuri’s technical quality, tenacity, and veteran leadership remain valuable, the “eye test” clearly shows that the 32-year-old is nearing the end stages.
He can no longer be counted on as a regular starter, and since Schalke have a new young nucleus of Markus Schubert, Ozan Kabak, Weston McKennie, Suat Serdar, Amine Harit, and Benito Raman, players like Caligiuri may be in an awkward spot in the transition plan as the Royal Blues look to return to being perennial Champions League qualifiers.
According to a report from BILD, via Schalke Daily, the club is worried that Caligiuri is past his prime, and they would prefer to build a squad of younger players.
And it’s hard not to see eye-to-eye with them if this is the case.
Caligiuri can still provide value to the squad, which is why the Royal Blues have offered him a new contract with a reduced salary. But BILD reports that he’s expected to reject it. That’s understandable from his perspective, since no player wants to take a pay cut, especially a veteran player like Caligiuri who could make more money with a different team or league.
It’s interesting that the rumors have accelerated after Caligiuri’s multi-week injury involving a torn ligament, but that’s how it goes in sports, especially for footballers above the age of 30.
But even before the injury, Schalke seemed to be dragging their feet with extending Caligiuri. They didn’t make progress on discussions over the winter, suggesting they had concerns about Caligiuri’s declining speed and even decision-making this season.
Caligiuri has done some amazing things for the club and was crucial to their second-place finish in 2017-2018. In 2018-2019, he showed great leadership and ability in leading Schalke to safety, including a wonderful free kick in the Revierderby.
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But it looks like Schalke are prepared to move on, building a young and more talented team for 2020-2021 and beyond.