FC Schalke 04 has 21‑year‑old goalkeeper Luca Podlech back in first‑team training after flying to Norway for transfer talks. The young keeper, contracted until 2028, took part in the training session on July 8 2026 but did not join the final game‑situations.

Why is Podlech back in Schalke training?

Podlech missed the start of pre‑season because Schalke and Norwegian top‑flight side Aalesunds FK are negotiating a loan. According to RUHR24, no agreement has been reached yet, so the keeper returns to the Königsblauen’s training routine until a deal is signed. Talks continue, but no contract is on the table.

Which goalkeepers are training together?

Four keepers trained in the recent profit session: Loris Karius, returning Kevin Müller, Luca Podlech and U23‑keeper Luca Happe. Karius and Müller already have secured spots, while Podlech uses the training to keep his sharpness. Happe sees the session as a stepping stone to the senior squad.

What does the possible loan mean for Schalke?

Schalke wants to give Podlech as many professional minutes as possible through a loan. Aalesunds FK needs a new number one after the sudden retirement of Kristoffer Klaesson. If the loan materialises, Podlech would return with valuable match experience and fight again for a place in the first‑team roster.

How does the goalkeeper situation look for the new season?

With the permanent signing of Kevin Müller (one‑year contract after his loan) Schalke has further clarified its goalkeeper hierarchy. Müller is slated as direct backup for Loris Karius, while Johannes Siebeking remains the third choice. Podlech stays a candidate for the fourth spot after a successful loan, increasing competition within the squad.

The 21‑year‑old native of Gelsenkirchen has been with the club since 2016, making 37 Regionalliga appearances for the U23s and featuring ten times in the senior squad. His return to training shows Schalke actively supports his development while negotiations with Aalesunds FK continue.