GELSENKIRCHEN, Germany, Sept. 22,2025 – Schalke 04 is reportedly parting ways with squad planner ben Manga after just over a year at the club.The decision, which is effective immediately, comes after three transfer periods adn a restructuring of the clubS professional football department.
Club Parts ways With Squad Planner Ben Manga
Ben Manga is out at Schalke 04 after a little more than a year, following reports of diverging ideas with club leadership.
The FC Schalke 04 has reportedly terminated the contract of squad planner Ben Manga. Reports suggest the move stems from irreconcilable differences in vision between Manga and the club’s management.
Manga joined Schalke 04 in the summer of 2024 with the objective of steering the second-division club back toward the Bundesliga. However, his tenure has been marked by several less-than-successful transfers and a brief coaching appointment. Kees van Wonderen, whose selection was influenced by Manga, was dismissed after only three-quarters of a year.
Several of Manga’s acquisitions, including Felipe Sánchez, Pape Meïssa BA, and Aris Bayindir, have not met expectations. Other new additions from that period, such as Ron-Thorben Hoffmann, Martin Wasinski, and Aymen Barkok, have already departed the club.
Public criticism of Karel Geraerts, Van Wonderen’s predecessor, who reportedly did not utilize Manga’s signings effectively, also contributed to internal unrest.
Following Frank Baumann’s arrival as sports director in the summer of 2025,Manga’s public presence diminished,with a focus shifting to scouting. Baumann, alongside sports director Youri Mulder, assumed public relations responsibilities.
According to reports, Schalke 04 will pay Manga a compensation package of approximately 800,000 euros for the early termination of his contract. The club, which has secured twelve points from its first six matches this season, aims to restructure its planning department without Manga’s involvement.
- Schalke 04 is reportedly terminating the contract of squad planner Ben Manga.
- Manga joined the club in summer 2024 with ambitions to help Schalke return to the Bundesliga.
- Several player signings and the coaching tenure of Kees van Wonderen have been questioned.
- The club aims to restructure its planning department.
- Manga is reportedly set to receive around 800,000 euros in compensation.
