Official: Schalke tie down home-grown defender on contract until 2031

Gelsenkirchen-born Mertcan Ayhan has enjoyed a meteoric rise at the Royal Blues, and has since gone on to make his debut for the Turkish U-21 national team.

Photo: Christof Koepsel/Getty Images.

FC Schalke 04 has officially extended the contract of Gelsenkirchen native Mertcan Ayhan until 30 June, 2030.

The central defender's new contract does not include a release clause, highlighting Schalke's commitment to developing of its own talents.

Mertcan Ayhan featured in a total of 27 games during the promotion season, 17 of them for the full 90 minutes. 

“Mertcan's journey clearly demonstrates what's possible at Schalke," said Youri Mulder, Director of Professional Football at FC Schalke.

"As a local lad, he embodies much of what we value and brings exactly the attitude we're looking for every single day. 

“We are convinced that Mertcan can develop exceptionally well within our team and, with his quality and will play a key role in the coming years.”