While the outcome on the field is still awaited, the club from Gelsenkirchen has already made significant moves behind the scenes. According to Bild, Schalke, under the leadership of sports director Frank Baumann, has developed a precise salary and bonus system in case of promotion to the Bundesliga.
Unlike previous practices, where all players received a collective salary increase, the new model rewards on-field performance. The level of earnings now directly depends on playing time.
Schalke's system includes six salary levels, with each appearance bringing players closer to higher earnings. Substitutions from the bench lasting less than 45 minutes count as half an appearance, allowing gradual progress up the financial ladder.
Each footballer already has clearly defined in their contract how much their salary increases in the event of promotion, which the club aims to use to avoid unplanned expenses and ensure financial stability.
Interestingly, players with the highest salaries have a smaller percentage increase, while younger footballers could even double their earnings. In case of promotion to the Bundesliga, some contracts could reach up to one million euros annually.
Promotion bonuses are also tied to playing time. Regular starters could earn an additional 100,000 euros, depending on their contribution throughout the season.
Special attention is drawn to the case of Edin Dลพeko, who reportedly has a specific clause in his contract. If Schalke secures a return to the Bundesliga, the experienced striker could receive a bonus of up to 400,000 euros.
This clearly shows that the German giant has planned its potential return to the elite tier of German football down to the smallest financial details.
It should be added that Schalke leads the 2. Bundesliga table with 55 points, one point ahead of second-placed Paderborn, and they will play against Elversberg in the next round.