Schalke 04: Kevin Stoger free transfer works on three crucial levels

1. Failsafe

You can never be too safe in any position. Just look at what happened to the Schalke defense this year. Three starting centerbacks—arguably our best three—are out for the year, with the final stretch of the season set to start back up again.

Yet because of the proper steps, we still have Jean-Clair Todibo and Matija Nastasic, with Malick Thiaw also ready to go.

Our midfield is pretty stacked as well. Serdar, Omar Mascarell, and Weston McKennie all need to be starting, but youngsters like Levant Mercan and Nassim Boujellab are both clamoring for time as well. It may seem crowded, but among those talents, we have zero proven creators. The three main starters have defined roles and the two youngsters are as of yet still grounded in potential, not actual results.

Plus, if Serdar does end up leaving, Stoger could be the surprise breakthrough signing of the decade. Not to be dramatic or anything.

All in all, this is a smart move that should happen.