​Fiorentina has revealed its preseason training roster, and the most notable development is that Robin Gosens is not included. The veteran left-back’s future has been uncertain all summer, and his absence from the list signals that he is likely on his way out of Florence. Italian insider Nicolò Schira has already linked Gosens with Schalke, noting the club’s interest in bringing the 32-year-old to the Veltins-Arena. The news is disappointing to many fans who value Gosens not only for his contributions on the pitch but also for his character off it. Since arriving on loan from Union Berlin in 2024, the German international has been a key presence in Fiorentina’s squad.
Under Raffaele Palladino, Gosens was among the team’s most influential players, finishing as the third-highest scorer with eight goals and nine assists. Those numbers, impressive as they are, hardly capture the full impact he had on Fiorentina’s play. He earned a place as the third-ranked player in the club’s season-end poll and deservedly so, reflecting his importance to the side during a period of transition. The past campaign, however, proved challenging for Gosens, as it did for many players. Not known for explosive pace, his struggles to stay in front of quicker attackers were magnified by a fragile defensive system surrounding him and a hamstring injury that sidelined him for two months. Moreover, repeated ball retention issues within the team meant Gosens often found himself without the opportunity to break into dangerous positions at the back post. In response, Paolo Vanoli eventually opted to place him on the bench in favor of a more dynamic presence in Fabiano Parisi.
Yet Gosens’s character shone through in adversity. Rather than sulk, he became a source of leadership from the touchline, offering guidance and encouragement to his teammates. There were moments when he resembled a player-coach more than a substitute, demonstrating the kind of leadership Fiorentina needed during difficult spells. When Parisi later suffered a cruciate ligament injury, Gosens re-entered the lineup without missing a beat, maintaining his influence on the field. His attitude, leadership, and unmistakable Germanness—embracing team unity and a strong work ethic—helped steady the ship and push Fiorentina toward safety.
The lingering issue, of course, is cost. Gosens stood as the club’s third-highest earner last season, placing him squarely in Fabio Paratici’s crosshairs when it came to salary considerations and lineup planning. The decision to exclude him from the official preseason roster can feel cruel, yet it aligns with the realities of professional sport where financial pragmatism often trumps sentiment. Gosens remains a capable player, but his qualities do not align with the exact profile Fiorentina needs this year, and thus he is poised to depart Florence despite publicly stated desires to remain in the city he has come to call home.
Schalke appears to be a natural landing spot for Gosens, and the move might suit all parties if it materializes. A club rebuilding after a period of upheaval, Schalke could benefit from Gosens’s experience, leadership, and versatility. The potential pairing with Edin Džeko, who is already a central figure for the Königsblauen, could even spark a useful camaraderie as they navigate the complexities of a club seeking rapid ascent back to prominence. While there could be awkwardness given Džeko’s significant role at Schalke, the shared history of frustration with former employers could provide a basis for an understanding and mutual support as they work to stabilize the squad.
If the deal progresses without last-minute obstacles, Gosens would be a significant addition for Schalke as they aim to reclaim top-tier status and restore competitive credibility. His professional demeanor, leadership qualities, and on-field versatility are exactly the kinds of attributes that a newly promoted or re-emerging club needs to bridge the gap toward higher ranks. He brings not only quality as a wing-back and creator but also the intangibles that help a squad cohesively navigate a demanding campaign.
There remains a possibility that this saga continues to unfold in unexpected ways. Passione Fiorentina has suggested that Grosso has not banished Gosens outright; instead, he has been excluded from the current roster to avoid any last-minute injury risk that might jeopardize a potential deal. If those precautions avert a disruption, Gosens could still rejoin the squad as the season approaches, though the likelihood of a last-minute volte-face appears slim given the current trajectory. If all proceeds smoothly, the Goose will head north for the summer, leaving behind the Florentine chapter as he embarks on a new one in Germany.
For Fiorentina, the departure could reflect a broader recalibration of the squad’s finances and tactical priorities. While Gosens’s contributions have been valuable and his leadership undeniable, the club must balance on-field needs with budgetary constraints as they chart a path forward in a competitive landscape. The decision underscores the harsh realities of modern football, where talent, character, and loyalty must be weighed against salary structures and strategic direction. As the transfer window advances, all eyes will be on whether Gosens seals a move to Schalke or remains a Fiorentina asset in some capacity, but the current indications favor a move away from Florence for the defining next chapter of his career.