In recent days, Schalke 04 was reportedly in talks regarding a transfer of centre-back Cenk Özkacar. Now the Turkish international has made a different decision.

As became known on Saturday afternoon, Özkacar is moving from Valencia to Turkish top-flight side Trabzonspor rather than to Gelsenkirchen.

The 25-year-old defender will reportedly cost around two million euros in transfer fees. At Trabzonspor, he has signed a contract through 2029 with an option for an additional season.

According to Sky, Schalke was in concrete talks with Özkacar until recently. The Royal Blues were reportedly working on a loan deal with a subsequent purchase option. Turkish top club Besiktas also reportedly made an unsuccessful attempt to sign the defensive specialist.

Özkacar was loaned out to Cologne in the previous season. With the Billy Goats, he gained considerable experience in the Bundesliga across 25 appearances.

Schalke 04 secures transfer coup

Sky reported at the time of a purchase option worth around two million euros. An investment that the Cologne club ultimately decided against.

Cologne's managing director Thomas Kessler stated that the departure hurt him deeply, noting that Özkacar is a wonderful character who wished them all the best for the future even in the conversation where they informed him of their decision.

At Schalke, the recent days were nonetheless marked by considerable transfer euphoria. As became known on Friday, German national team player Robin Gosens is fulfilling his childhood dream and will now play for the Royal Blues.

The promoted side is initially loaning the left winger from AC Florence for one year, with a purchase obligation worth an estimated 1.5 million euros triggered upon league survival.

Following Satoshi Tanaka (Fortuna Düsseldorf), Junior Adamu (SC Freiburg), and Kevin Müller (Heidenheim FC, previously on loan), it was the fourth new signing for the promoted club.