Schalke may release reported Rangers target Martin Fraisl at the end of the season due to his ‘erratic’ performances, according to Bild.
Earlier this month, the Daily Mail claimed that both the Gers and Premier League club Norwich City were monitoring Fraisl.
He only joined Schalke in the summer on a one-year deal following a stint in the Eredivisie with ADO Den Haag.
Responding to the speculation, the German club’s sporting director, Rouven Schroder, said the goalkeeper was doing an “excellent job” but claimed that there were no plans for “concrete contract talks” with him “in the near future” [Scottish Sun].
Fraisl himself then appeared to deliver a blow to the Gers’ hopes, by claiming that he could see himself staying on at Schalke and so is keen to help them to promotion so that he can test himself in the top flight.
Now, though, Bild have suggested that the club aren’t as pleased with the 28-year-old as initially thought.
Schalke could release Rangers-linked Fraisl
The German outlet’s report claims that there is a ‘debate going on behind the scenes’ due to his ‘erratic performances’ [translated].
It’s suggested that Schalke were delighted when Fraisl first came into the team in September and proceeded to keep four consecutive clean sheets.
But that recently, he has ‘radiated little stability and security’ and delivered an underwhelming performance at the weekend in a defeat to Fortuna Dusseldorf.
Therefore, it’s suggested that the club may opt against extending his contract, particularly if they do successfully gain promotion back to the Bundesliga.
Of course, if Fraisl was released, he’d become a free agent.
That would make things more straightforward as far as Rangers and his other potential suitors are concerned.
However, it will surely be concerning for the Gers both that Fraisl’s recent form is being criticised and that there are question marks about whether or not he’s good enough for the Bundesliga.
Jon McLaughlin and Robby McCrorie are contracted to Rangers beyond the end of this season, but Allan McGregor is not and the 40-year-old may well retire.
Rangers do have a host of young goalkeepers coming up through the ranks, though.
