Atalanta defender Sead Kolasinac is being targeted by Schalke 04, raising the possibility that the Bosnia and Herzegovina international could return to the club where he began his senior career.
The 33-year-old centre-back is under contract with Atalanta only until the end of the season, meaning any transfer would be likely to involve a nominal fee. According to Sky Sport Italia, Schalke 04 have identified Kolasinac as a potential addition as the German club look to bring him back to Gelsenkirchen.
Kolasinac first joined Schalke 04’s youth system before progressing to the senior team. He left for Arsenal in 2017, then returned to Schalke 04 on loan in 2021.
He subsequently moved to Atalanta as a free agent in the summer of 2023 and has since become part of the defensive group at the Italian club. However, the uncertainty surrounding his future has emerged during a period of significant change for Atalanta.
The club have already lost fellow centre-back Berat Djimsiti, who ended a decade in Bergamo to begin a new chapter with Al-Diriyah FC. Kolasinac could now be the next experienced defender to depart.
Atalanta are rebuilding after a difficult campaign that followed the departure of Gian Piero Gasperini. Maurizio Sarri has taken charge as the club’s new coach, beginning a fresh era for La Dea.
The possibility of Kolasinac returning to Schalke 04 may have been discussed when Atalanta travelled to Gelsenkirchen for a pre-season friendly last week. Atalanta won that match 3-0.
With Kolasinac’s contract set to expire at the end of the season, Atalanta are likely to leave the final decision over his future to the player. A move would give him the opportunity to return to the club where he developed and established himself before joining Arsenal.
For Atalanta, his departure would represent another change to a defence already affected by Djimsiti’s exit. The club must now assess whether to retain Kolasinac for the remainder of his contract or agree to a low-cost transfer to Schalke 04.