After returning to the 1st Bundesliga, FC Schalke 04 has brought the first summer signing under contract: Satoshi Tanaka moves from Fortuna Düsseldorf to the Royal Blues. The Japanese player is expected to be a bargain. Tanaka has signed a contract with the club until 2030. The player was released from his contract with Fortuna Düsseldorf due to a clause. The transfer fee is reportedly one million euros, which is a bargain compared to the 10 million euros that would have been paid if Fortuna Düsseldorf had stayed in the 2nd Bundesliga. "Satoshi brings the qualities that are important for our playing style to the defensive midfield position: he is aggressive in his work against the ball, dynamic and agile. With his speed and intensity, he meets the requirements we are looking for very well. We are convinced that he will help us in the Bundesliga", said Schalke's Director of Football Youri Mulder. Tanaka was only in Düsseldorf in January, where he played 13 games and made two assists. At his new club, the Japanese national player wants to take the next step in his career. "The responsible people at FC Schalke 04 have shown me exactly how I fit into their football in the Bundesliga. That impressed me", explained Tanaka his decision for the Royal Blues. The transfer deal will not burden the transfer budget of the Ruhrpott club, as fresh forces are still needed for the offense to compete in the highest German league. A candidate is Tanaka's former teammate Cedric Itten, who would have been released from his contract with Düsseldorf after the club's relegation. However, Werder Bremen is also offering. From England, it was also heard that storm talent Ethan Wheatley from Manchester United is in the sights of the Royal Blues.