Schalke Lead The Race For Edin Dzeko As Fiorentina Forward Seeks New Venture

According to the latest Edin Dzeko transfer news, Schalke is closing in on the veteran Fiorentina forward.  

Sky Sport reporter Gianluca Di Marzio confirmed that the 2. Bundesliga side are leading the race for the Bosnian legend.

Dzeko has reportedly agreed terms in principle on a move back to Germany. The 39-year-old previously represented Wolfsburg where he won the Bundesliga title in 2008-09.

.@acffiorentina, ore decisive per la cessione di Dzeko: contatti con Schalke e Paris FC. Tedeschi leggermente in vantaggio, ma il club francese insiste

— Gianluca Di Marzio (@DiMarzio) January 20, 2026

Edin Dzeko Transfer News

This month, Paris FC targeted Edin Dzeko and it appeared he could be on the way to the French capital. However, head coach Stephane Gilli is set to miss out on the Fiorentina man.

It’s third time unlucky for Gilli have been turned down by Ludovic Ajorque and Sidiki Cherif earlier in the window. Now, the 51-year-old will need to pursue other attacking options.

Dzeko is understood to be tying up the loose ends on his deal with Schalke. The 2. Bundesliga leaders are still in lengthy talks with La Viola about releasing the 39-year-old from his contract.

The former Inter Milan and Manchester City sharpshooter only joined the Florence-based club in the summer penning terms for 12 months.

It’s a gamble that has failed to materialize for the 2024 Conference League runners-up. Dzeko has been unable to settle and is keen to quit Italy’s elite soccer division.

Will Fiorentina Replace Edin Dzeko?

Owing to their dreadful first-half of the 2025-26 campaign, Fiorentina’s sporting director Fabio Paratici has already played a key role in obtaining new players.

The former Tottenham man doesn’t officially start his role until next month. Nonetheless, his influence and contacts have already proven very useful. But who could replace Edin Dzeko?

Wolfsburg winger Patrick Wimmer is an option although he isn’t an out-and-out forward. Bologna’s Benjamin Dominguez is also a consideration but like Wimmer, also operates out wide.

The likes of Jack Harrison, Marco Brescianini and Manor Soloman have already joined. And so far, the latter has made a strong start to life in Florence.

Star forward Moise Kean is likely to remain at the Artemio Franchi so Paratici and head coach Paolo Vanoli may not actually seek a direct Dzeko replacement.

Especially as Dzeko’s fan outburst earlier in the season saw him fall down the pecking order. The Bosnian was used largely from the bench and failed to find the back of the net in Serie A across 11 outings.