FC Schalke 04 has officially announced the signing of midfielder Aymen Barkok on February 3, 2025, marking the 26-year-old Moroccan international's move from 1. FSV Mainz 05. Barkok, who will don the number 25 jersey, has joined the Royal Blues until the end of the current season.
According to Schalke's Director of Professional Football, Youri Mulder, Barkok is expected to introduce new dynamics to the team's midfield. "With Aymen, we are acquiring a midfielder who can provide new impulses for our play from various positions. He brings the experience of over 100 Bundesliga games and will quickly find his feet here at Schalke," Mulder stated during the announcement.
Barkok's transfer follows the termination of his contract with Mainz, which initially had him under contractual obligation until the summer. His time with Mainz included 44 competitive appearances since arriving from Eintracht Frankfurt on a free transfer and then spending the second half of last season on loan at Hertha BSC. He was primarily utilized as a substitute this season, featuring only four times.
"I’m really pleased to have been granted the opportunity to showcase my skills at Schalke over the next few months. I want to perform well and contribute to the team and the club as much as I can," said Barkok, expressing his enthusiasm for joining the second-division side.
Schalke’s acquisition of Barkok reflects the club’s urgency to strengthen its squad as they aim to improve their standings. Aiming to climb the ranks of the 2. Bundesliga, Schalke has added another body to their midfield mix, following recent signings including goalkeeper Loris Karius and striker Pape Meissa Ba. Barkok himself has shifted allegiances after playing previously for Germany's U21 team, now representing Morocco on the international stage, where he has earned 18 caps.
"Aymen was always professional and a role model during his tenure here at Mainz. We want to thank him for his contribution and wish him all the best and much success at his new club Schalke 04," expressed Mainz's sporting director Niko Bungert.
Barkok's move is seen as financially sensible for both clubs. While Schalke does not need to pay a transfer fee, Mainz saves on Barkok's salary, taking advantage of their current financial limitations. With significant competition for spots at Mainz, Barkok's minimal game time this season made it clear he was seeking new opportunities, and Schalke provided the right fit.
During his career, Barkok has played for several clubs, including SG Praunheim, Rot-Weiß Frankfurt, and Kickers Offenbach before moving to Eintracht Frankfurt where he made his Bundesliga debut back in 2016. He was part of the squad during the club's most victorious moment, winning the DFB-Pokal championship in 2018 and lifting the UEFA Europa League trophy in 2022.
Schalke's decision to pursue Barkok signified their strategic shift to accommodate the team’s deficiencies, particularly after suffering significant losses, including a recent 5-2 defeat against 1. FC Magdeburg. With defensive capabilities being their primary concern, signing an offensive player like Barkok adds both depth and versatility.
Overall, Barkok's transfer to Schalke 04 not only benefits the player who was searching for more game time but also aids the club's ambition to regain its competitive edge within the league. With fans eager to see the new signing take the field, hope surrounds the potential of this latest acquisition leading to improved results for the struggling team.