Schalke 04 continues to move the market to prepare for its return to the Bundesliga and announced the signing of Satoshi Tanaka from Fortuna Düsseldorf. The 23-year-old Japanese defensive midfielder has signed a contract until 2030.
Tanaka arrived at Fortuna in January 2026 and played 13 games in the second half of last season. International A for Japan since the summer of 2025, the new reinforcement of the royal blue plays preferably in front of the defense.
A graduate of Shonan Bellmare, Tanaka made 114 appearances in the J1 League before a loan experience at KV Kortrijk in Belgium. He then returned to Japan to represent Sanfrecce Hiroshima, with whom he also played in the Asian Champions League.
Sporting director Youri Mulder was convinced of the midfielder's impact: "Satoshi is aggressive without the ball, dynamic and very mobile. Due to his intensity and the way he covers ground, he fits the profile we were looking for and we believe he will make an important contribution to us in the Bundesliga."
The player also revealed great enthusiasm for the move: "They explained to me clearly how I can integrate into the Schalke project. I was very impressed. I'm looking forward to starting preparations in July and playing in front of the fans at the Veltins‑Arena."
With a contract until 2030, Tanaka now embraces a new stage in the historic Schalke 04 jersey.