FC Schalke 04 have held initial talks with VfB Stuttgart over a potential loan deal for Badredine Bouanani. Sky transfer expert Patrick Berger reported the discussions on Tuesday. The 21-year-old offensive player joined VfB Stuttgart from OGC Nice in summer 2025 for around 20 million euros and is under contract until 2030. In 28 appearances for Stuttgart, Bouanani scored two goals and provided two assists.
VfB Stuttgart started the new 2026/27 Bundesliga season with a defeat and sit in 18th place with zero points after one match. Sebastian Hoeneß's team conceded five goals while scoring only one themselves. They are already three points behind leaders Bayern Munich. Ahead of the next away match at TSG 1899 Hoffenheim on September 12th, the squad must also cope with several absentees. VfB's current injury list includes Dan Zagadou, Dennis Seimen, Jeremy Arevalo, Leo Sauer, Lorenz Assignon, and Luca Jaquez.
Patrick Berger assessed the chances of the attacker moving to Schalke as difficult. The Sky expert stated verbatim: "a commitment of the offensive player for the Knappen is only 'hard to implement'." Schalke 04 themselves were busy with contract extensions on Tuesday. The club extended Adil Aouchiche's deal until 2030. Simultaneously, a transfer of Anton Donkor to the 2. Liga fell through.
Alongside the talks with VfB Stuttgart about Bouanani, FC Schalke 04 are planning further squad movements. The club is considering a loan for Christian Gomis to Spain. A one-year loan for Dylan Leonard to Alemannia Aachen has already been agreed. These activities show Schalke's intent to adjust the squad further before the transfer window closes. VfB Stuttgart, meanwhile, must keep its own squad planning in view, especially given the current league position and numerous injured players.
Badredine Bouanani is part of the broader group of offensive players at VfB. His contract runs for another four years, until summer 2030. The 20 million euro investment last year highlights the club's long-term plans for the talent. Last season, however, the Frenchman did not get consistent game time and was not always able to deliver performances reliably. A loan could offer him more playing time, but VfB must weigh whether they can afford to lose an offensive player given their own personnel shortages. The current standings illustrate the urgent need for action.
The coming days will show if the talks between Schalke 04 and VfB Stuttgart lead to a concrete result. Until then, VfB is fully focused on preparing for the away match at TSG 1899 Hoffenheim on September 12th, 2026.
