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Loris Karius has put his past struggles behind him, playing a key role in Schalke’s 2. Bundesliga title win and return to the top flight.
The 32-year-old, who joinedSchalke in January 2025, has become one of their most reliable performers. The Royal Blues’ promotion campaign has been built on a strong defence, with Karius excelling as the last line.
He featured in 29 of 32 league matches, conceding 24 goals and keeping a league-high 12 clean sheets. His save percentage of 73.6 is the best among first-choice goalkeepers in the 2. Bundesliga.
According to Sky Sports in Germany,Schalke and Loris Karius are in advanced talks over a new contract. Karius, whose current deal runs until 2027, is close to agreeing an extension as both parties work through final details.
The new agreement is expected to run until at least 2028, with a revised salary package that would make him one of Schalke’s highest earners.
Despite interest from Italy, the goalkeeper is keen to remain in Gelsenkirchen and continue with Schalke in the Bundesliga. When asked whether he will end his career at Schalke, Karius said: “I probably won’t sign that many more contracts.
“I feel completely at home at Schalke. When my contract here expires, I’ll be 34 years old. We’ll discuss our respective expectations when the time comes. I’m relaxed about it.”
The former Liverpool goalkeeper’s decision represents a significant boost for Schalke as they prepare for life back in the Bundesliga, providing stability in a position that has been unsettled in recent seasons.
Since Manuel Neuer’s departure toBayern Munich in 2011, Schalke have struggled to establish a long-term successor, with the club frequently facing uncertainty over their number one spot.
Karius spent six years at Liverpool between 2016 and 2022, making 49 appearances and starting in the 2018 Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid.
He later had loan spells at Besiktas andUnion Berlin before joining Newcastle Unitedas a free agent in September 2022, where he made just two appearances.