Haji Wright had his moments throughout Schalke’s preseason, but the American forward’s next step will come away from the club’s senior team.
Schalke announced that Wright is set to train with the club’s U-23 team after beginning preseason with the first team squad. Wright had been with Schalke’s senior group for the first four games of preseason with his standout performance coming via a four-goal performance in a 9-1 win over fifth division side SpVgg Erkenschwick. Wright joined the team for the ensuing trip to China, but did not do enough to earn a first team spot.
Unable to return to the U-19 group, Wright is now a prime candidate for a loan deal away from the Bundesliga club. Schalke’s U-23 team plays in the fifth division of German soccer, a level that is likely far below one required for Wright’s development.
Fellow American Weston McKennie remains with the Schalke first team as the club heads to Austria to continue preseason.