Arsenal’s Sead Kolasinac will not be returning to Schalke this summer as the club cannot afford his contract following relegation.
That’s according to Sky Sport Germany journalist Dirk Schlarmann, who says the ‘financial situation’ at the club means they ‘cannot extend’ Kolasinac or Huntelaar’s stay.
Both players made a return to their former club in the January transfer window, taking pay cuts to help the battle against relegation.
Kolasinac, in particular, was said to have cut his wages by half to leave to Arsenal temporarily and try to keep Schalke in the Bundesliga.
He’s a huge fan favourite at the club, and despite the disappointing end to the season, they’ve hinted on several occasions they will try to sign him permanently.
Their plans included sponsors paying half his wages and other schemes, but it appears that has now been scrapped.
Schlarmann reports Kolasinac will be returning to Arsenal this summer, with Schalke also having confirmed the decision officially.
On a report on their website, they state that after ‘intensively’ examining the situation, they have decided Kolasinac and Huntelaar will not be continuing at the club.
“This decision hurts us both in sport and human terms,” said director of sport Peter Knäbel.
“In view of the current budget and squad structure – all the known and publicly discussed challenges – there was no alternative. We have to be so honest.
“In view of the short preparation and the early start of the season, we cannot afford a week-long hang-up game either, but have to make decisions for Schalke 04 now. That’s why we decided on this clear cut. “
