Bild reveals all details of Džeko's contract

German tabloid Bild published on August 4, 2026, details of the contract of Bosnian-Herzegovinian striker Edin Džeko with Bundesliga side Schalke. Although his management initially demanded an annual salary exceeding one million euros, the club's financial reality did not allow it, so a different model was agreed upon.

Direct meeting in Dubrovnik broke the deadlock in negotiations

When negotiations stalled, Schalke's sporting director Frank Baumann took an unusual step and personally traveled to Dubrovnik to talk with Džeko without the presence of agents. That meeting brought a turning point, and the experienced striker showed understanding for the club's economic situation and agreed to a contract whose earnings are closely tied to on-field performance.

Modest fixed salary and rich bonuses

According to Bild's information, the fixed part of Džeko's contract amounts to 900,000 euros per year. However, the contract becomes significantly more lucrative through a detailed bonus system. For each win in which he appears, he will receive nearly 20,000 euros, and for a draw about a third of that amount. If Schalke finds itself between 5th and 12th place in the Bundesliga standings, victory bonuses rise above 20,000 euros, while even higher amounts are planned for finishing at the very top.

Staying in the league will bring him an additional 100,000 euros, and through appearance bonuses, depending on the number of matches and minutes played, he can earn up to 450,000 euros. With regular playing time and good health, despite a lower base salary, Džeko will be among the highest-paid players in the Schalke dressing room at the end of the season.

Family moves to Germany

Džeko has made it clear that he plans a long-term stay in Germany. Amra, his wife, along with their four children, will move from Milan to North Rhine-Westphalia. The children will be enrolled in an international school near Düsseldorf, the same school that Xabi Alonso's children previously attended.

Leader on and off the pitch

Within the club, Džeko already enjoys immense respect. During the second half of last season, he scored six crucial goals that helped secure promotion back to the Bundesliga, but he equally stood out as a team leader off the pitch. He is known for pointing out issues with training equipment to management, treats all club staff with great courtesy, and while filming the club's documentary about promotion, he insisted that his younger teammates be in the spotlight.

His humility is also visible at the training center: despite being entitled to a parking spot right by the entrance due to his successful career, Džeko always left his car in free spots further away, like the other players. Schalke hopes he will continue to rack up successes in the new chapter in the Bundesliga.