Arsenal loanee Sead Kolasinac seems set for a new role at Schalke with head coach Dimitrios Grammozis hinting at a switch to a defensive midfield position, speaking to Kicker.
The Bosnia international had showcased some semblance of versatility during his final few months at the Emirates, featuring at left-back, wing-back and even in central defence under Mikel Arteta.
But the 27-year-old had never plied his trade in the middle of the park, patrolling the engine room in a ‘number six’ role.
Not until Friday night, anyway.
Eyebrows were raised when Kolasinac started alongside Suat Serdar as a deep-lying double pivot against relegation rivals Mainz.
And Grammozis, who became Schalke’s fifth coach of the season when he replaced the veteran Christian Gross recently, believes a surprising shake-up could become a permanent game plan.
“Sead is a player who comes with force and embodies it. I suspect he loses some of this energy when he plays on the wing,” Grammozis explained after Friday’s goalless draw.
“Against Mainz, his influence on our game in the centre was greater, especially since we had to fight for many second balls that came down. He has all the prerequisites (to play there).”
Sport1 claims Kolasinac is open to the idea of staying at Schalke next season – even though the Gelsenkirchen giants are all but destined to play second tier football with relegation inevitable.
The Arsenal-owned ace would have to take a substantial cut on his current £100,000 pay packet, however.
Schalke are currently paying him £30,000 a week.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
