Overview
- Schalke announced Friday that it has extended Soufiane El‑Faouzi's contract to summer 2030 and that the new deal contains no release clause.
- El‑Faouzi was an ever‑present starter in Schalke's promotion season, beginning all 34 league matches and playing 31 to the final whistle.
- Statistical measures underpinned the move: he led the second tier in total distance and intense runs, and Transfermarkt estimates his market value has jumped from about €200,000 to roughly €9 million.
- The 23‑year‑old earned a first Morocco cap during the pre‑World Cup build‑up but did not make the final tournament squad and is due to join Schalke's preseason on Sunday.
- Schalke presents the extension as a wider retention policy for its promotion core and may pursue similar renewals for young players while decisions over senior figures such as Edin Džeko remain pending.