Schalke 04 set to sign Standard Liege’s talented midfielder if they remain in the 2. Bundesliga

Sky Sports Deutschland are reporting that Schalke 04 are set to sign William Baliwisha from Standard Liege if they remain in the 2. Bundesliga. The 24-year-old central midfielder will join for a transfer fee of around €1m. The DR Congo international, who was also eligible to play for Belgium, has played 24 games this season, scoring three goals and providing one assist. He has only started 40% of his games this season.

This is certainly a drop from last season, where Balikwisha was one of Standards top performers. In 36 Pro League games he scored six goals and provided five assists. Schalke fans will be hopeful that, if they can ensure they remain in the German second tier, they will be signing a Balikwisha that will become a key player in the league. In recent weeks he has shown a return to form under Ivan Leko.

Standard fans will certainly be disappointed to be losing a player like Balikwisha for a relatively small transfer fee. However, Standard are in desperate need of financial income and with the players contract up in 2025, it makes sense to cash in over the summer and use the funds to try and reinvigorate a side in need of fresh ideas.

Schalke are currently 12th in the league, four points above Hansa Rostock in 16th and the relegation play-off spot.