Celtic have Schalke’s Soufiane El-Faouzi on their radar for the summer. Martin O’Neill’s side have to overcome Sunderland, Brentford and others to get him to Celtic Park.
In July 2025, he arrived at the second division German club from Alemannia Aachen, a year after joining the latter for free.
The midfielder has enjoyed a good run this season as Schalke secured promotion to the Bundesliga.
He’s played 3,050 minutes from 32 matches, managing two goals and five assists. At the same time, his impressive performances have caught Sunderland, Celtic and Brentford attention.
Sunderland, Celtic and Brentford keen
With the German club now securing promotion, Sky Deutschland have a report on what could happen to certain Schalke players after this season.
Soufiane El-Faouzi’s name is in the list, and Schalke’s desire is to hold on to the ‘tireless’ midfielder.
The 23-year-old feels comfortable at his club while there’s been no concrete talks over a summer transfer. That doesn’t mean he has no suitors.
Sunderland, Celtic, Brentford and Bologna are all ‘specifically interested’.
Sky mentions the Premier League duo, Martin O’Neill’s side and Bologna after stating the player has received enquiries from the UK, Italy and Germany. There’s no mention of the club that’s showing interest from his own country.
France’s Stade Rennes are also keen on the midfielder but he won’t move to the Ligue 1 in the next window.
Schalke value El-Faouzi at €12m, and it’s unclear whether any of his suitors are willing to pay that fee.
Earlier in the season, Sport Witness relayed news of both Sunderland and Celtic looking at Union Touarga midfielder Hossam Essadak. He’s still at the Moroccan side and it’s unclear whether these two clubs continue to have him on their agenda.
Contract, value and agent info
Soufiane El-Faouzi’s contract at Schalke expires in 2030 and his now valued at €4m by Transfermarkt. This is the highest value of his career so far.
Agency Feel Soccer GmbH, headed by agents Wassily Krastanas and Marc Behrenbeck, represent the player.
