Schalke 04 monitoring Algerian striker Redouane Berkane after impressive season in Qatar

Schalke 04 have reportedly added Algerian striker Redouane Berkane to their shortlist ahead of the summer transfer window after the forward impressed during his first season with Al-Wakrah SC in Qatar.

The 22-year-old attacker has attracted growing attention following a productive campaign in the Qatar Stars League, where he scored 14 goals and provided two assists in 24 appearances across all competitions.

Berkane’s performances have not gone unnoticed in Europe, despite his decision to leave Algeria for Qatar last summer.

The former JS Kabylie player is once again being linked with a move back to the continent, with recently promoted Bundesliga side Schalke now among the clubs monitoring his situation.

The interest marks another chapter in a season that has significantly raised the player’s profile both at club and international level.

Berkane was included in Algeria’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations by coach Vladimir Petkovic and made a brief substitute appearance against Nigeria in the quarter-finals.

Although his role during the tournament remained limited, his selection reflected the growing confidence surrounding his development and potential.

That momentum has continued throughout the season in Qatar, where he quickly adapted to a new environment after completing his move from JS Kabylie.

His physical presence and finishing ability have become important features of his game, qualities that are now believed to have attracted Schalke’s attention.

According to reports, the German club sees Berkane as a possible replacement for veteran striker Edin Dzeko, whose contract is approaching its end.

At 40 years old, Dzeko’s future remains uncertain, and Schalke are understood to be exploring younger options capable of leading the attack in the Bundesliga next season.

Berkane’s profile is said to fit the characteristics the club is searching for.

The Algerian striker’s build and style of play have reportedly been compared to Dzeko’s, particularly because of his physical strength and ability to operate as a focal point in attack.

Those attributes are considered well suited to the demands of German football, where intensity and aerial presence often play a major role.

A move to Schalke would also potentially reunite Berkane with fellow Algerian Adil Aouchiche, who is already part of the club’s setup.

That possibility has added further intrigue to the growing speculation surrounding the striker’s future.

Berkane’s rise has been particularly notable because interest in him already existed before he moved to Qatar.

Several clubs had monitored him during his time at JS Kabylie, and attention intensified again during the winter transfer window earlier this season.

At that stage, both Al Ahly SC of Egypt and Norwegian club FK Bodø/Glimt reportedly made concrete attempts to sign him.

Bodø/Glimt were enjoying a strong European campaign at the time and had progressed to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League before eventually being eliminated by Sporting CP.

Despite the interest, Al-Wakrah decided against selling the striker midway through the season.

Reports suggested the Qatari club considered the offers insufficient and chose to keep hold of one of their most productive attacking players.

That decision now appears to have opened the door to renewed speculation ahead of the summer market.

Schalke’s interest is particularly significant given the club’s ambition to strengthen after returning to the Bundesliga.

The German side are attempting to rebuild a squad capable of competing consistently in the top flight after difficult recent seasons.

Recruitment is therefore expected to play a central role in their preparations for the new campaign.

For Berkane, the situation represents another important moment in a career that continues to evolve rapidly.

After making the difficult decision to leave Algeria for Qatar, he has managed to maintain strong visibility among European clubs through his performances.

His statistics during the season have strengthened the argument that he is ready for another major step.

Whether Schalke proceed with a formal offer remains unclear, but the growing attention surrounding the player suggests interest could intensify in the coming weeks.

Much may also depend on Al-Wakrah’s stance and the type of proposals received during the transfer window.

For now, Berkane remains under contract in Qatar, but his name is increasingly appearing in discussions linked to the Bundesliga market.

With Schalke searching for attacking reinforcements and the Algerian forward continuing to build momentum, the coming months could prove decisive for his future.

The possibility of seeing Berkane return to European football is now becoming increasingly realistic after a season that has placed him firmly back on the radar of clubs across the continent.