Schalke could opt against extending Martin Fraisl’s contract even if the Rangers target helps the fallen giants seals a return to the Bundesliga, as reported by BILD.
Yes, you read that right.
If the Austrian shot-stopper helps Schalke seal their place back in the top flight after one season in the second tier, his ‘reward’ will be a summer departure.
Booted unceremoniously out the door when his contract expires at the start of July. And, harsh as it may seems, this will come as no real surprise to anyone who’s watched Fraisl closely.
In truth, Schalke have forced their way into the promotion picture despite, rather than because of, Fraisl’s performances.
Despite impressing initially at the Veltins Arena, ousting long-serving number one Ralf Fahrmann, the 28-year-old has hardly convinced.
He’s looked about as secure as a three-foot picket fence outside Area 51 of late. He came under fire once again as Schalke lost 2-1 to relegation-threatened Fortuna Dusseldorf last time out.
BILD believe that, if Schalke are promoted, one of their first priorities will be to find a new goalkeeper. The implication being that, if Fraisl cannot prove himself to be a reliable shot-stopper against the Darmstadts, then he’s the wrong man to take on the Dortmunds.
Should Rangers be wary of Martin Fraisl?
All of this raises a rather substantial question as far as Rangers are concerned.
Why would the reigning Scottish Premiership champions consider signing a man who’s current employers seem all-too happy to let him leave on for free?
Schalke have not opened contract talks with Fraisl. What’s more, they are not planning to either.
So is the former ADO Den Haag stopper – who had only ever played 30 league games before moving to Gelsenkirchen last summer – the right man to fill an Allan McGregor-shaped void in the Ibrox goal-mouth?
With Zander Clark and Benjamin Siegrist also out of contract – and boasting a proven track record in Scottish football – Rangers are hardly short of alternative options if they turn their back on Fraisl.
According to The Mail, Norwich City are also keen on the soon-to-be free-agent.
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