Claudio Katunda: Zulte Waregem linked with move for Schalke 04 II defender

Zulte Waregem are being linked with a move for Germany-DR Congo centre-back Claudio Katunda from Schalke 04 II as the Belgian club assess defensive options ahead of the new campaign.

The 19-year-old, who stands at 2.00m and is a right-footed central defender, is currently part of Schalkes second team squad competing in the Regionalliga West, having recently stepped up from the clubs under-19 side.

A move to Zulte Waregem would take Katunda into the Belgian top flight, with the Jupiler Pro League club monitoring his progress after his rise through the German system.

Born in Hannover on 20 April 2007, Katunda joined Schalkes under-19s in 2024 from SC Paderborn 07s youth setup, before earning promotion to Schalke 04 II ahead of the 2026-27 season.

His development has seen him progress from SC Paderborns youth ranks to their under-17 side and then to Schalke, where he has continued to build a reputation as a promising young centre-back.

The rumoured interest from Zulte Waregem remains at an early stage, with Katunda currently contracted to Schalke 04 II and no agreement in place between the clubs.