Youth to Gold - Schalke 04

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I've finally started a save that's got me buzzing: a 'Youth to Gold' challenge with Schalke 04. For those unfamiliar, the rules are strict – no players over 30 in the first-team squad, and all incoming transfers must be aged 15-19. No exceptions. It's all about scouting, developing, and promoting youth to turn prospects into gold (world-class stars). Why Schalke? This club's a sleeping giant – Bundesliga legends fallen on hard times in the 2. Bundesliga. I love the underdog story, and with their IRL debt issues mirrored in-game, it's a proper grind.

Enter Stuart Ahmed: Me, a 29-year-old Englishman with zero rep. Sunday League footballer badge, no real coaching experience – just a guy who's managed virtual teams for years. I took the job in July 2023 with one mission: Rebuild Schalke from the youth up, promote back to the Bundesliga, and eventually dominate Europe. No sugar daddies, no editor saves – pure FM pain and glory.

The Setup: Stacked Squad, Youth Rules, and a Financial Nightmare

Schalke's squad is elite for 2. Bundesliga level – guys like Assan Ouédraogo (17-year-old wonderkid), Danny Latza, and goal machine Simon Terodde give us serious firepower. But my 'Youth to Gold' rules mean immediate squad surgery: Anyone over 30 gets demoted to reserves or sold/loaned out. Bye-bye to veterans like Terodde (35) in the long term – his contract's up in summer anyway. No signings in the first window either; I'm riding with what we've got, focusing on the U19s and scouting for teen gems worldwide.

Tactics? A high-pressing 4-2-3-1 Gegenpress to suit our young, energetic legs. We dominate possession (avg. 60%) and create chances for fun. Board wants promotion; I want sustainability.

The real boss fight? Finances. Starting balance: -€190 million. It gets refinanced early (FM wizardry), but we're still bleeding -€1 million per month. With youth rules limiting me to cheap teen transfers (none yet), breaking even feels impossible. No big sales yet to plug the gap – every euro counts. I'm scouting South America and Africa for free/cheap 15-19 year-olds, but January's my first real window to act.

The First Six Months: Dominance on the Pitch, Drama Off It (July 2023 – 20th January 2024)

We kicked off like a rocket. Pre-season was all about integrating youth – promoted a couple of U19 regens like 17-year-old CM Lukas Müller (solid potential, already rotating in midfield) and 16-year-old ST prospect Elias Becker (raw but pacey). First league game: 4-0 thrashing of Karlsruhe. Terodde? Absolute beast – 23 goals in 17 games, top scorer by a mile. He's carrying us, but at 35, he's not long for the first team under my rules. Summer contract expiry means we're scouting replacements hard – think 15-19 year-old strikers who can step up without breaking the bank.

As of 20th January: We're top of the 2. Bundesliga with 18 wins, 2 draws, and just one loss (a fluky 2-1 to Hamburg – dodgy ref decision, FM'd me hard). Goal difference? +50. Insane. We've scored 62, conceded just 12. Highlights include a 6-1 demolition of Hannover and a 5-1 cup win over lower-league fodder for some sweet prize money. DFB-Pokal progress is key – we're into the third round, eyeing that cash to offset the debt drain.

But drama struck in January: Assan Ouédraogo, our 17-year-old starboy (already 10 assists, 5 goals), gets poached by Chelsea for his £8.5 million release clause. Gutted – he's a generational talent, and losing him hurts the youth project. Silver lining? He's loaned back to us until season's end, so we keep his magic for the promotion push. That £8.5M influx is a lifeline – it knocks balance back to minus 18 million and gives me a tiny budget for January teens. Scouting reports are in: Aiming for a 18-year-old Brazilian ST from Flamengo (cheap release) and a 16-year-old German GK prospect from our own academy promo.

Off-pitch? The -€1M monthly bleed (pre-Ouédraogo sale) has me sweating. Wages are high for this level, and with no over-30s allowed, I'm rotating kids who aren't ready yet. Board meetings are tense – they love the results but hate the red ink. Fans are chanting "Ahmed's Army" after big wins, but one bad month could flip that. Media's skeptical: "English rookie betting on kids? Recipe for disaster."

Challenges Ahead: Youth Pipeline and Financial Survival

This 'Youth to Gold' twist makes everything harder – Terodde's goals are a short-term fix, but replacing him with a 15-19 year-old (without big spending) means potential dips. Promotion is crucial for revenue, but can a teen-heavy squad hack the Bundesliga? January window: No over-30s, only youngsters. Fingers crossed for bargains.

Save Stats So Far (20th Jan 2024):

• League Position: 1st in 2. Bundesliga (18W-2D-1L, +50 GD)
• Key Players: Simon Terodde (23 goals in 17 games – farewell tour), Assan Ouédraogo (on loan-back, 5 goals/10 assists), Lukas Müller (youth promo, 3 goals/4 assists)
• Tactics: 4-2-3-1 Gegenpress (Positive mentality)
• Finances: -€20M balance (post-refinance), -€1M/month after Ouédraogo sale
• Biggest Headache: Finding a teen striker to replace Terodde without tanking form
• FM Difficulty: Standard, no mods. Youth to Gold rules enforced.

FM fam, what do you reckon? Tips for scouting 15-19 strikers on a shoestring? How do I plug the financial black hole without selling more kids? Drop your thoughts – I'll update in Part 2 after the season ends. Let's wake this giant with youth power!

 

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Part 2 – Promotion Glory, Pokal Magic, and the Over-30 Purge

I've been grinding this save non-stop, and holy ****, the second half of the 2023-24 season was an absolute dream... mostly. We turned the 2. Bundesliga into our playground, but now the real 'Youth to Gold' rules are biting hard as we prep for the big leagues. Let's dive in – spoilers: Promotion secured, silverware lifted, and a bittersweet farewell to some legends.

The Second Half Rampage: Unbeaten Streak, Title Clinched, and Youth Rotations (January – May 2024)

Picking up from January 20th, where we were flying high at the top with a +50 GD. The Ouédraogo sale to Chelsea gave us that £8.5M boost (and his loan-back was a godsend), but I stuck to the rules: No signings over 19, and only teens. January window? Got a few youngsters to sign in the summer when their contracts will be running out. No big splurges – finances still shaky at -€18M post-sale, but the monthly bleed dropped to -€800k thanks to a cup run.

On the pitch? We went nuclear. Kicked off a ridiculous 20-game winning streak right after the winter break – everything clicked with the 4-2-3-1 Gegenpress. Highlights: A 5-1 annihilation of St. Pauli (Terodde hat-trick), a 4-1 comeback against Hertha (Terodde with another hattrick), and a gritty 1-0 over Hertha Berlin in the snow. We stayed unbeaten until late on in the season – a meaningless 3-1 loss to Hannover after I'd already rotated in a full youth XI for experience (kids needed minutes, and the title was wrapped). By then, we'd won the league by a country mile: 30 points clear with games to spare. Promoted as champions – board ecstatic, fans in delirium. "Ahmed's Army" chants echoing in the Veltins-Arena.

Terodde? What a swan song. The man finished with 44 goals in 34 games – top scorer in the league by 12 goals. Absolute carry job, but at 35, his contract's expiring, and rules are rules: No over-30s in the first team next season. He's off to pastures new (probably retiring or a lower-league gig).

Pokal Glory: Cup Final Heroics and That Cheeky Panenka

Oh, and we didn't stop at the league. The DFB-Pokal was our cash cow – progressed through rounds with ease, including a 3-1 quarter-final win over Gladbach and an easy 4-1 victory over Leipzig (Terodde scored all 4). Final vs. Mainz at the Olympiastadion? Epic. We dominated and went 1-0 up early. Terodde wrote the script with a brace: started with a thunderous header in the 20th, then sealed it in the 44th with a cheeky panenka penalty (cool as ice – Mainz keeper raging). Kabadayi added the gloss in the 47th for a comfortable 3-0 win! First major trophy for Schalke in 13 years, and the €5M prize money? Lifesaver – balance now at -€13M, monthly losses down to -€500k. Fans stormed the pitch; I may have fist-pumped in real life.

The Downside: Over-30 Contract Drama and the Great Purge

Here's where the 'Youth to Gold' self-imposed rules turn into a nightmare. Promotion means Bundesliga football, but we've got a squad full of over-30s (like Danny Latza, Marcin Kamiński, and a few others) who've been key to this run. They're all demanding new contracts now – "We got you promoted, gaffer!" Fair point, but rules say no: Anyone 30+ gets demoted, sold, or released. Terodde's already out the door, and I've listed half a dozen more for transfer. Expecting £10-15M in sales, which'll fund more teen signings (scouting Africa and Eastern Europe for bargains). It's brutal – morale might dip, and replacing their experience with 15-19-year-olds could lead to a rocky Bundesliga start. But that's the challenge: Turn prospects into gold, no shortcuts.

The upside? Our youth intake was stellar – a 5-star potential 15-year-old German DM (regen named Rusmir Huskaric) who's already training with the first team. Ouédraogo's back from loan (wait, no – Chelsea recalled him end of season, **** it. Forgot that detail – another gut punch). Squad average age now? 24. Perfect for the project.

Save Stats Update (End of 2023-24 Season):

• League: 1st in 2. Bundesliga (29W-3D-2L, +81 GD) – Promoted as champions!
• Pokal: Winners (3-0 final vs. Mainz)
• Key Players: Simon Terodde (44 goals – legend status), Thomas Ouwejan (15 assists, has been pinched by Stuttgart), Derry John Murkin (11 goals and 11 assists from LW), and our backup striker and potential replacement for the main man, Keke Topp, scored 19 goals
• Tactics: Still 4-2-3-1 Gegenpress (tweaked to Balanced for cup games)
• Finances: -€13M balance, -€500k/month (Pokal money helping, but Bundesliga TV revenue incoming)
• Biggest Headache: The over-30 purge – finding teen replacements who can survive the Bundesliga drop-off.
• FM Difficulty: Standard, no mods. Youth to Gold rules holding strong.

What a season – from debt-ridden 2. Bundesliga strugglers to double winners. Bundesliga next year will be the real test: Can a teen squad avoid relegation? Part 3 coming after the summer window and early Bundesliga games. Let's keep this giant awake!

Up the Schalke!

 

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Part 3 – Bundesliga Blitz, Europa Domination, and the Teen Revolution Takes Hold​

FM fam, buckle up – this 'Youth to Gold' journey with Schalke 04 just hit ludicrous speed. If you thought promotion and a Pokal win last season were peaks, try this: As of the end of the January 2025 transfer window, we're top of the Bundesliga, level on points with Bayern Munich (who have a game in hand), boasting a +37 goal difference. We've only suffered one league loss all season – a frustrating 1-0 away to Hoffenheim where we dominated but couldn't break their bus. Somehow, my squad of teenagers and early-20s prospects is not just surviving the top flight; we're leading it. No over-30s, only teen signings – the rules are holding, and the results are pure FM chaos magic. From debt-ridden underdogs to title contenders? Stuart Ahmed's wild ride continues. Let's unpack the summer purge, the insane form, Europa heroics, and those January tweaks.

The Summer Overhaul: The Great Purge, Saudi Windfalls, and Youth Infusions (June – August 2024)​

Fresh off our 2. Bundesliga title and DFB-Pokal triumph, the 'Youth to Gold' policy demanded blood. We enforced the no-over-30s rule ruthlessly: Legends like Simon Terodde (the 44-goal hero), Marcin Kamiński (defensive stalwart), and Thomas Ouwejan (assist machine) all left on frees as their contracts expired – bittersweet, but necessary for the youth focus. Long-serving keeper Ralf Fährmann fetched a tidy £1m to Wolfsburg (good value for a 35-year-old), and we cashed in big on other 30+ fringe players. The real coups? Swiss GK Markus Müller (our No. 1 last season) went to Saudi for £3.5m to avoid a free exit, and first-team regulars Derry John Murkin (our LW assist wizard with 11 goals/11 assists last year) and Ron Schallenberg followed him to the desert for massive fees. Total transfer income? A whopping £54m. That influx turned our finances from a nightmare to manageable – more on that later.

Outgoings cleared space for the kids, dropping the squad average age to 22. Incomings? Strictly 15-19 year-olds or loans fitting the vibe. The headline grabber was 18-year-old Portuguese wonderkid João Rego, arriving on loan from Benfica – a creative AM with flair for days, slotted straight into the attacking midfield role. We also snapped up a few up-and-coming youngsters for peanuts: A 17-year-old Italian RW prospect for free (high potential, depth option), a 19-year-old Zambian winger for £1.1m (pace demon from our African scouting push), and promotions from the academy like 16-year-old DM regen Rusmir Huskaric (now rotating in midfield) and 17-year-old LB Vincent Carus (backup duties). No mega-spends – we banked most of that £54m for stability.

Tactics: Kept the 4-2-3-1 Gegenpress core but shifted to "Positive" mentality for the Bundesliga's intensity, emphasizing quick counters and youth stamina. Pre-season was solid: Wins over mid-table sides, but a 2-2 draw with Ajax highlighted defensive greenness. Media pegged us for midtable mediocrity; fans chanted "Ahmed's Army" with cautious hope. Finances? The £54m sales, plus Bundesliga TV money and Pokal Europa qualification, pushed us into the black – but we're still leaking £3m a month on taxes and loan repayments. Transfer profit keeps us afloat, balance at +€28M or so.

The Bundesliga Explosion: One Loss, Epic Wins, and a Title Race for the Ages (August 2024 – January 2025)​

We exploded out of the gates. Opening day: 3-2 home win over Eintracht Frankfurt, with João Rego assisting twice on debut. From there? An unbeaten streak that defied logic – only that lone 1-0 loss at Hoffenheim (a smash-and-grab where we had 70% possession but hit the post thrice). We've drawn just a handful, including a creditable 1-1 at Dortmund (our lifelong rivals – nicked a late equalizer in a fiery derby, Haaland regen denied by a wonder save). Wins? 16 of 'em, with absolute bangers like the 6-4 away thriller at Bayern Munich. Yeah, you read that right: We went to the Allianz and won 6-4 in a goal-fest – trailed 2-1, then exploded with four in 20 minutes (Topp hat-trick, Rego, Matriciani and Lasme with one each). Bayern clawed two back, but we held on. Iconic. Other highlights: 6-1 over Freiburg, 3-0 at Leverkusen.

As of January 31st, 2025: Level on 51 points with Bayern (their game in hand could change things), +37 GD (58 scored, 21 conceded – our press is a nightmare for opponents). The youth energy is key – tireless legs, no egos. Top performer? Keke Topp, promoted from the reserves to replace Terodde, with 17 goals in 28 apps (clinical finisher, stepping up huge). Ivorian winger Bryan Lasme (22 now) is electric with 12 goals and 6 assists in 30 apps from either flank. João Rego shines with 10 goals and 8 assists. Defensively, we've been rock-solid, though a couple of teen CBs have had growing pains.

Off-pitch? The title race has the board buzzing, but they're eyeing sustainability. Fans are in ecstasy – sold-out Veltins, "Ahmed's Army" anthems. Media's obsessed: "Ahmed's kids schooling the giants." Headache: Assan Ouédraogo (still on extended loan from Chelsea) is magic again (5 goals/7 assists), but he's returning to them end of season – gutting, but rules prevent a permanent deal.

Europa League Rampage: Top of the League Phase and Statement Wins​

Pokal glory got us into the Europa League league phase, and we've owned it: Top with 5 wins, 1 draw, 0 losses. Standouts: 3-1 home win over Shakhtar (Rego brace), a gritty 2-1 away at Roma (Lasme's winner after a red card drama), and a 5-1 thrashing of Real Betis at home (Topp hat-trick, their backline in tatters). These matches build depth – rotating kids to manage fatigue, and the €3M+ prize money helps offset that £3m monthly leak.

January Window: Smart Buys to Plug Gaps, No Rule Breaks​

With Markus Müller sold to Saudi, we needed GK cover – enter 19-year-old French sensation Guillaume Restes for £8m (bargain from Toulouse, wonderkid potential, now No. 1). To replace Murkin's departure, we grabbed 18-year-old Romanian LB Andrej Borza from Rapid Bucharest for £5m – slipped straight into the first team, already with 2 assists. Finally, 18-year-old Slovenian AMC Luka Topalović (scout find, £1.3m) joins as direct competition/cover for Ouédraogo – creative spark, high potential. Total outlay: £20m. Finances hold steady in the black thanks to winter profits, despite the monthly drain.

Save Stats Update (End of January 2025):​

• League Position: 1st in Bundesliga (16W-3D-1L, +37 GD) – Level on points with Bayern (their game in hand). Only loss: 1-0 at Hoffenheim. Key results: 6-4 away at Bayern, 1-1 at Dortmund.
• Europa League: Top of league phase (5W-1D-0L) – Wins: 3-1 vs. Shakhtar, 2-1 at Roma, 5-1 vs. Betis.
• Key Players: Keke Topp (17 goals in 28 apps – Terodde's heir), Bryan Lasme (12 goals/6 assists in 30 apps), João Rego (10 goals/8 assists on loan), Lukas Müller (7 goals/10 assists).
• Tactics: 4-2-3-1 Gegenpress (Positive) – Youth press dominating.
• Finances: +€28M balance (winter £54m sales key), -£3M/month (taxes/loans), but transfer profits keep us afloat.
• Biggest Headache: Bayern's game in hand, Ouédraogo's impending Chelsea return, and managing that monthly financial leak without more sales.
• FM Difficulty: Standard, no mods. Youth to Gold rules unbreakable.

Insane stuff – from the abyss to Bundesliga leaders with a teen army. But the run-in? Bayern lurking, Europa knockouts, potential burnout. Can we ****** the title? Part 4 after the end of season. Up the Schalke!

 

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Part 4: Youth to Gold with Schalke 04 – Bundesliga Runners-Up, Double Trophy Haul, and the Teen Stars Shine Bright (End of 2024/25 Season + Summer 2025 Update)

FM fam, picking up from Part 3 where we were level on points with Bayern at the top of the Bundesliga and owning the Europa League league phase—things got even wilder from February to May 2025. Stuart Ahmed here, the 30-something Englishman with zero real creds but a squad of teenagers turning heads. We've enforced the 'Youth to Gold' rules like gospel: No over-30s in the first team, all signings 15-19 only. Remember the financial gloom from the start—a crippling -€190M debt and monthly bleeds that had us on the brink? Fast-forward to now: Trophies, smart sales, and sponsorships have flipped us to +£147M stability. We didn't quite ****** the title from Bayern's grasp, but finishing 2nd with 77 points (just 5 behind them) after promotion is absurd. Add back-to-back Pokal wins and a Europa League triumph? This teen army is building a dynasty. But poachers are eyeing our stars, and summer signings set us up for a Champions League assault. Let's dissect the run-in drama, trophy heroics, and off-season moves.

The Bundesliga Run-In: Epic Thrillers, Bayern Heartbreak, and a Heroic 2nd Place (February – May 2025)

From January 31st, we were tied with Bayern at 51 points (them with a game in hand, which they won to go three clear). Our 4-2-3-1 Gegenpress (Positive mentality) kept the youth legs flying—no tactical tweaks, just relentless press press press—but Bayern's depth edged them ahead. We rattled off wins and draws, but no more losses after that Hoffenheim slip in Part 3. The highlights were FM gold: An 8-2 home demolition of arch-rivals Dortmund—pure revenge with braces from Tempelmann and Topalovic, plus goals from Banda, Topp, Lasme, and a debut strike off the bench from youth star Brusdeilins (17-year-old regen striker, what a moment!). Then a chaotic 4-4 home draw with Bayern—Lasme's hat-trick had us dreaming, but they clawed back late. We capped it with a 4-0 home thrashing of Wolfsburg (Ouédraogo double, his loan-back magic shining).

Media skepticism was rampant all season—pundits hammered our low average age (just 22) as a recipe for collapse: "Ahmed's kids will crumble under pressure—too green for the big time." Results proved them wrong; we finished strong, ending on 77 points (22W-11D-1L, +60 GD after 97 goals scored and 37 conceded). 2nd place secures Champions League football, and the board's thrilled (top-half demand smashed). The youth energy was key—no egos, just overwhelming opponents.

Pokal Double: Back-to-Back Glory with Penalty Drama vs. Bayern

We weren't content with league heroics—the DFB-Pokal defense was epic, with rotations giving kids valuable minutes. Quarters: A gritty 3-2 away win over Bayer Leverkusen (late Topp winner after trailing twice). Semis: 6-0 thrashing of Köln (Topalovic brace, total domination, with youth prospects like Rusmir Huskaric getting sub appearances for experience). Final vs. Bayern on the season's last day? Tense 1-1 after 120 minutes (Lasme's equalizer canceling their opener), but penalties sealed it—Restes the hero, saving from Harry Kane and Leroy Sané. We won 4-2 on pens! Back-to-back Pokal wins, €5M+ prize money, and bragging rights over Bayern. Fans went wild; "Ahmed's Army" anthems for days.

Europa League Rampage: From League Phase to Final Demolition

Topping the league phase (as in Part 3) set us up perfectly, and we rotated youngsters heavily in the knockouts to build depth without burnout. Round of 16: 3-1 aggregate over Sporting (clinical counters, with academy kids like Vincent Carus filling in at DL). Quarters vs. Aston Villa: 4-0 away leg (Lasme brace, their defense shredded), followed by a 2-2 home draw (6-2 agg). Semis: Two nervy 1-0 wins over mighty Chelsea (Topp's goals, Restes clean sheets). Final vs. Feyenoord? Bryan Lasme's hat-trick powered a 4-0 rout (plus a Topalovic strike)—we lifted the cup in style! €10M+ prizes, gate money, and that sweet taste of European silverware.

Summer 2025: Poaching Dodged, Teen Signings Locked In, and Financial Redemption

Champions League qualification means mega revenue, but we fended off raids: Rejected £45M from Man Utd for Lasme and £30M from PSG for Topp—board wanted sales, but I held firm for the youth ethos. Departures? João Rego (19, on loan last season—8 goals/7 assists in 32 games) returns to Benfica (end of loan, no permanent option per rules). Fringe sales (e.g., a couple of 20-something backups) netted £20M to keep things tidy.

Incomings? Strictly 15-19 bargains, with deals lined up for window open: Roony Bardghji (18, LW) for £21.5M from Copenhagen—recently named Europa League Young Player for his Kobenhavn exploits, perfect Rego replacement on the left. Simone Pafundi (19, versatile AM) for £31.5M (Italian wonderkid, creative spark). Junior Kroupi (18, ST) for just £2.5M (French prospect, Topp backup up front). We're still scouting for CD and DM upgrades—eyeing South American and African bargains to fit the rules.

The youth pipeline is thriving: March's intake delivered three 5-star prospects—a 15-year-old Brazilian AMC named Gabriel Vinicius (blistering 16 pace/acceleration, a dribbling menace), 15-year-old German ST Soheil Mislintat (already boasting 16 finishing/first touch—clinical potential), and 15-year-old German DR Bjorn Ritter (fantastic mentals like determination and work rate). They're not ready for first-team action yet but have been training extremely well with the coaches, fast-tracking their development. From earlier intakes, Rusmir Huskaric (now 16, DM regen from Part 2) has made occasional first-team appearances (mostly subs in cups), progressing nicely but not quite ready for a full berth. Vincent Carus (18, LB from two years ago) stepped up admirably, filling in 6 times at DL for Borza during rotations.

We've also expanded Schalke's global network for better scouting of 15-19 gems: New affiliations with Pohang Steelers (South Korea), Melbourne Victory (Australia), Stabaek (Norway), Farul (Romania), Maribor (Slovenia), and Tepecikspor (Turkey). These ties are already unearthing hidden talents from Asia and Eastern Europe—key to sustaining the youth project.

Finances? This is the real redemption story—from that -€190M abyss and monthly bleeds in the early days (Part 1's nightmare), through the Ouédraogo sale lifeline and Saudi windfalls (Parts 2-3), to now. League finish, double trophies, and new sponsorships (boosted by our underdog success) have skyrocketed us to +£147M balance (TV rights, prizes, gates). But £100M outgoing in transfers once the window hits—sustainable spending for youth gold. Monthly drain down to -£1M (taxes/loans easing), projecting +£80M by year-end with CL money. Board meetings? No more red ink panic; it's all about building on this stability.

Save Stats Update (End of 2024/25 Season + Summer 2025):

• League Position: 2nd in Bundesliga (22W-11D-1L, +60 GD, 77 points—5 behind Bayern). Key results: 8-2 home vs. Dortmund (Tempelmann/Topalovic braces, Banda/Topp/Lasme/Brusdeilins goals), 4-4 home vs. Bayern (Lasme hat-trick), 4-0 home vs. Wolfsburg (Ouédraogo double).
• DFB-Pokal: Winners (4-3 pens in final vs. Bayern—Restes saved Kane/Sané pens). Path: 3-2 away vs. Leverkusen (quarters), 6-0 vs. Köln (semis, Topalovic brace).
• Europa League: Winners (4-0 final vs. Feyenoord—Lasme hat-trick). Path: Topped league phase; 3-1 agg vs. Sporting (R16); 6-2 agg vs. Aston Villa (quarters—4-0 away with Lasme brace, 2-2 home); two 1-0 wins vs. Chelsea (semis).
• Key Players: Keke Topp (29 goals in 51 matches—player of the season), Bryan Lasme (30 goals/8 assists from RW), Assan Ouédraogo (13 goals/3 assists on loan-back), Luka Topalovic (10 goals/8 assists in 19 games), João Rego (8 goals/7 assists in 32 games), Andrej Borza (10 assists in 16 games), Guillaume Restes (16 conceded in 17 games).
• Tactics: 4-2-3-1 Gegenpress (Positive)—No changes, just press press press; rotated kids in cups for development.
• Finances: +£147M balance (prize money/sponsorships), -£1M/month (easing drain), but £100M outgoing in transfers.
• Biggest Headache: scouting CD/DM teens to shore up defense for CL.
• FM Difficulty: Standard, no mods. Youth to Gold rules unbreakable.

Insane season—from promotion newbies to double trophy winners and Bundesliga runners-up with kids. Bayern pipped us, but we're coming for them in 25/26. Tips for CD/DM bargains in the 15-19 range? How to integrate Bardghji/Pafundi/Kroupi fast? Drop your thoughts—Part 5 after the winter window. Up the Schalke!

 

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Part 5: Youth to Gold with Schalke 04 – Supercup Double, CL Giant-Killing, and a 6-Point Bundesliga Lead (2025/26 Season Update to End of January Transfer Window)

FM fam, the 'Youth to Gold' revolution at Schalke 04 is hitting new heights, and the 2025/26 season is pure FM euphoria. Stuart Ahmed here—still that zero-rep Englishman betting everything on teenagers. We've enforced the rules without mercy: No over-30s in the first team, all incomings aged 15-19 (loans for that extra edge). Building on last season's Bundesliga 2nd place, back-to-back Pokal wins, and Europa League triumph, we're now dominating the Champions League group stage and sitting pretty atop the league. As of the January transfer window close, we're 6 points clear at the top of the Bundesliga after 19 games, with Bayern dropping points like it's going out of fashion. Early trophies, bedding-in drama for new signings, and a massive stadium upgrade have us buzzing—but fixture congestion, injuries, and a tricky CL qualifying draw loom. Let's unpack the summer loans, trophy hauls, league/CL form, and winter tweaks.

Summer 2025 Refinements: Loan Gems and Unchanged Tactics for Depth (June – August 2025)
We bolstered the squad with rule-friendly loans: Argentine wonderkid Franco Mastantuono (18, versatile AM) from River Plate, with a £8M permanent deal agreed for next summer—his vision has ignited our midfield. Benfica's top prospect João Fonseca (18, CD) also joined on loan, adding steel to the backline. No big sales, keeping the average age at 21.

Tactics remain the 4-2-3-1 Gegenpress core—continuous pressing wears down opponents, with youth stamina turning games in our favor. Squad depth has improved massively, especially in DM where we've got several teen backups (including regen Rusmir Huskaric) ready to rotate. Pre-season wins built momentum, but media pegged us for mid-table: "Ahmed's kids will struggle in the CL—too inexperienced." Fans disagreed, packing the Veltins-Arena for every game.

Early Silverware Blitz: Supercup Triumphs and a PSG Heartbreaker (August 2025)
We started with fireworks, claiming two Supercups. The Euro/SAM Super Cup vs. Atlético Mineiro ended 2-0, with Luka Topalović's opener and a stunning solo goal from academy regen Gabriel Vinicius (16-year-old Brazilian AMC from last season's intake—dribbling magic turning prospect into gold). The DFL-Supercup vs. Bayern was a 3-1 masterclass, Roony Bardghji (18, LW) netting twice (a long-range screamer and a deft chip). Bayern looked rattled—foreshadowing their league woes. The UEFA Supercup vs. PSG stung: A 4-2 loss despite Bryan Lasme's brace, but the prizes (€2M+) helped finances. Full stadiums and these wins have cut our monthly loss to -€2M, keeping things stable.

Champions League Drama: Proving Doubters Wrong, But Brugge Slip Costs Auto-Qual (September 2025 – January 2026)
The board expected us to "give a good account of ourselves" in a brutal CL draw (Spurs, Man City, Porto, Salzburg, Barcelona, Brugge). We exceeded that wildly: 2-2 away at Spurs (Lasme equalizer), 2-0 home upset over Man City (Bardghji and Simone Pafundi strikes, Guillaume Restes with hero saves), 2-0 away at Porto, and 4-1 home vs. RB Salzburg (Keke Topp hat-trick). Only a 2-1 loss at the Nou Camp blemished it. But a 2-2 draw at Brugge (late concessions) left us 1 point short of automatic qualification—now awaiting the Feb 2 draw for the qualifying round. Board and supporter feedback? A+—they can't believe Ahmed's teens are schooling giants, with media headlines like "From debt to dominance: Ahmed's Schalke defying gravity." Fans have dubbed us "Ahmed's Wonderkids," with chants echoing after the City win.

Bundesliga Dominance and Pokal Progress: 6 Points Clear, Bayern Double-Header Incoming (August 2025 – January 2026)
League form is electric: 15 wins, 3 draws, 1 loss (+32 GD, 48 points)—6 clear of stumbling Bayern. Highlights include a 4-0 home dismantling of RB Leipzig (Bardghji, Topalović, Lasme goals) and a 5-1 away rout of Freiburg (Topalović brace, plus strikes from Kroupi, Lasme, and Bardghji). Clean sheets are our hallmark (Restes with 12 in 19 apps), thanks to pressing intensity and squad depth.

New signings took time to bed in—Bardghji and Junior Kroupi (18, ST) were underwhelming until October, with sloppy performances frustrating the team. I called them in for blunt motivation talks: "Buck up or bench time." It worked—excellent training followed, sparking form surges. Kroupi and Lasme now lead the charts with 11 goals each, while Mastantuono and Pafundi provide creative sparks from midfield (combined 10 assists). Felipe Matriciani is in unreal form, excelling anywhere across the backline with rock-solid defending.

The Pokal run sees us in the quarters vs. Bayern next week—just three days after our league trip to the Allianz. Win both? It could shatter their season. But fixture congestion risks burnout, with the press leaving legs heavy— a minor headache amid the highs. Adding to the drama: The day before the first Bayern match, Pafundi picked up a 4-week thigh strain in training—who knows, maybe the injury is a direct result of the high press that we have been utilising all season, and has struck at just the wrong time. We'll adapt: Bardghji shifts to RW, Topalović fills in at AMC, and Mastantuono moves out left, switching between inside forward and advanced playmaker roles to keep the creativity flowing.

The best news? The Veltins-Arena is getting upgraded to 70,000 seats over the summer—boosting revenue and atmosphere. I'm hoping this provides the stability to remove the constant shadow of monthly losses, turning our financial redemption arc into long-term prosperity (e.g., extra €1-2M per matchday from tickets and events).

Youth Pipeline and Scouting: Positive Intake Preview and Global Empire Grows
Youth development shines: Huskaric (17, DM) and Bjorn Ritter (16, DR regen) have grabbed first-team minutes (Ritter stepping up after we sold backup RB Salih Aydin to Eintracht for £10M, with 20% sell-on). Existing regens like Soheil Mislintat (16, ST) are progressing in U19s, with cameos looming. International breaks have transformed since our improved reputation—over 30 players now get called up at various levels, compared to just 10 when I took over. Bardghji and Andrej Borza are now international first-team regulars, Pafundi made his debut in August, and Topalović has featured 6 times for Slovenia. Restes is on the brink of a France call-up, having played 18 times for the U21s and leading the Bundesliga in clean sheets—what a glow-up for our youth project. March's intake preview is extremely positive—potential 5-star recruits in AMC, winger, and full-back spots. Our affiliate network (Pohang Steelers, Melbourne Victory, Stabaek, Farul, Maribor, Tepecikspor, plus new additions Zilina from Slovakia and Belenenses from Portugal) is paying dividends—e.g., Zilina scouts unearthed a promising Slovakian full-back we're monitoring.

Scouts are scouring the globe for 15-19 gems, with a few summer targets lined up (e.g., South American wingers and African DMs) to sustain the project.

January Window: Smart Sales and Van Persie Backup
Winter focused on pruning: Sold non-progressing youth prospects (e.g., an 18-year-old winger and CM) for £5M total, with 30% sell-ons for future upside. To back up Kroupi and Lasme (addressing depth up front), we signed Shaqueel van Persie (18, ST) for £4M—raw but with bags of potential; early sessions show him gelling well.

Finances are stable at +€40M, dropping slowly thanks to that -€2M monthly loss (offset by full stadiums, prizes, and sales). No panic—CL revenue and the stadium upgrade should flip it positive long-term.

Save Stats Update (End of January 2026):

• League Position: 1st in Bundesliga (15W-3D-1L, +32 GD, 48 points)—6 clear of Bayern. Key results: 4-0 home vs. RB Leipzig (Bardghji/Topalović/Lasme goals), 5-1 away vs. Freiburg (Topalović brace, Kroupi/Lasme/Bardghji).
• Champions League: 9th in league phase (3W-2D-1L)—Missed auto-qual by 1 point; draw Feb 2 for qualifying round. Standouts: 2-0 home vs. Man City, 4-1 home vs. Salzburg.
• DFB-Pokal: Quarters vs. Bayern (rotated wins en route).
• Supercups: Euro/SAM winners (2-0 vs. Atlético Mineiro—Topalović/Vinicius goals); DFL winners (3-1 vs. Bayern—Bardghji brace); UEFA runners-up (2-4 vs. PSG—Lasme brace).
• Key Players: Bryan Lasme/Kroupi (11 goals each in 25 apps), Luka Topalović (8 goals/5 assists), Mastantuono/Pafundi (creative duo, 10 assists combined), Felipe Matriciani (defensive rock, 20 apps), Guillaume Restes (12 clean sheets in 19 apps).
• Tactics: 4-2-3-1 Gegenpress—Unchanged, pressing wears out foes; improved DM depth.
• Finances: +€40M balance (dropping slowly), -€2M/month (full stadiums/prizes offsetting).
• Biggest Headache: Pafundi's 4-week thigh strain ahead of Bayern double-header, plus poaching bids for Lasme (rejected £50M from Arsenal).
• FM Difficulty: Standard, no mods. Youth to Gold rules unbreakable.

Insane half-season—from doubters to leaders with teen power. Can we seal the title and navigate CL qualifiers? Part 6 after season's end. Tips for summer signings or motivating underperformers? Drop 'em—Up the Schalke!

 

[dmpcs]

Part 6 – Bundesliga Glory, CL Heartbreak, and Defensive Overhaul Looms (February 26 – End of 2025/26 Season)

FM fam, the 'Youth to Gold' revolution at Schalke 04 just hit peak FM chaos in the back half of the 2025/26 season. Stuart Ahmed's teen army—strictly no over-30s, all incomings 15-19 (with loans for that extra spark)—turned a 6-point January lead into a dominant title win, but not without drama. From the Bayern double-header to a CL exit at the Bernabeu, we paced the league like bosses while bedding in deadline-day wonders like David Martinez and Shaqeel van Persie. Bayern's uncharacteristic stumbles handed us a 15-point cushion, but defensive sales (farewell, Baumgartl and Mohr) leave us exposed for summer. Pokal semis heartbreak stung, yet the youth pipeline glowed up, finances stabilized (with a loan twist), and fans are clamoring for van Persie's permanent stay. Let's unpack the highs, lows, and that invincible league run—pure teen power conquering Germany.

The February Fireworks: Bayern Battles, Debut Magic, and CL Qualifying Dominance (February 2026)

Pacesetting into early February with a 6-point lead, the double-header vs. Bayern was crunch time—league away on Feb 26, Pokal quarters at home three days later. Pafundi's thigh strain from January was the only small injury blip all season (squad otherwise luckily stayed fit—press intensity managed well), forcing tweaks: Luka Topalović into AMC, Franco Mastantuono left as inside forward. The away leg? Gut-wrenching 1-2 loss—a late Harry Kane penalty (dodgy call after a soft foul) sealed it after we'd equalized through Bryan Lasme. Revenge came swift: 2-0 home win in the Pokal, with Roony Bardghji's brace (a thunderous header and a cheeky chip) knocking them out. Massive morale boost—board buzzing, fans chanting "Ahmed's Wonderkids" louder than ever.

Momentum carried: A 3-1 away win at RB Leipzig, where deadline-day signing David Martinez (18-year-old Venezuelan wonderkid CB, £6M steal from scout reports) debuted with two cool penalties (one retake after encroachment—nerves of steel). Then, CL qualifying vs. Villarreal: 5-0 away thrashing (Lasme brace, Bardghji rocket, Topalović assists) let us rotate kids for the home leg. Bayern kept dropping points (draws with mid-table fodder), and by end-February, our lead hit 8 points. But the Villarreal return? A rotated youth XI (giving minutes to regens like 17-year-old DM Rusmir Huskaric and 16-year-old AMC Gabriel Vinicius) lost 0-2 at home—sloppy, but 5-2 aggregate advanced us to face Real Madrid. Lesson learned: Kids need more seasoning, but Huskaric's midfield tenacity earned him sub spots later.

The March-April Epic: CL Giant-Killing, League Rampage, and Pokal Pain (March – April 2026)

CL last 16 vs. Real? Dream tie. We shocked with a 3-1 home win—deadline-day loan signing Shaqeel van Persie (18-year-old ST from Feyenoord, pure poacher) bagged a debut brace (tap-in and a volley), plus a Lasme screamer. Fans went wild; media called it "Ahmed's teens humble galacticos." But the Bernabeu return? Nightmare—1-4 loss, with Vinícius Jr. tearing our backline apart (hat-trick, exploiting tired legs from fixture congestion). Aggregate exit, but €10M prize money softened the blow, and the experience leveled up our kids (Guillaume Restes made 7 saves despite the scoreline).

League form? Unstoppable: Just one blemish—a frustrating 1-1 draw at Heidenheim (late equalizer after dominating possession)—in the last two months. Highlights included 4-0 over Dortmund (Bardghji hat-trick in the derby) and 3-0 at Leverkusen (clean sheet masterclass). Tactics held: 4-2-3-1 Gegenpress on Positive, but I switched to Balanced for CL to curb concessions (worked vs. Real home, less so away). Bayern's implosion (uncharacteristic drops everywhere) let us win the title at a canter—clinched early April with a 2-0 over Wolfsburg, finishing 15 points clear.

Pokal? Semis heartbreak vs. eventual winners RB Leipzig—0-0 draw, lost on penalties (Restes saved two, but Tempelmann skied his). Gutted, but rotated squad gained experience (Vinicius subbed on, nearly scored).

Youth Glow-Ups, Deadline Stars, and Defensive Drama

Deadline loans shone: Van Persie exploded with 18 goals in 19 games (clinical finisher, outshining Junior Kroupi—who improved second half for 14 goals but flitted in/out). Fans are demanding a permanent deal—chants of "Sign him up!" echoing. Simone Pafundi added 12 from RW (versatile wizard), with Bardghji and Lasme each netting 11 from the wings (Lasme's pace, Bardghji's flair).

Youth pipeline? Huskaric got a few more games as backup DM, and his impressive development (now 4.5-star potential) could earn him a starting berth next season—especially if stalwart Tempelmann exits. Bjorn Ritter (16-year-old DR regen) performed admirably at RB in his 4 games across CL/Bundesliga (solid tackling, no errors). March intake previewed strong (4.5-star CB regen to plug gaps). Schalke brand expanding: New affiliations with New Zealand's Western Suburbs and Sweden's IF Brommapojkarna (Europe's largest youth club by active teams) join the empire—expect more global scout finds.

But the 'Youth to Gold' purge bites: Longtime CB stalwart Marvin Baumgartl (now 30) and solid LB/LW backup Tobias Mohr must be sold/loaned per rules—farewells incoming. Add 31-year-old Paul Seguin (couldn't shift last season, loaned to Alaves) to the list—hoping for £10-15M combined to fund permanents. Leaves us weak defensively; scouts from Arsenal/Newcastle sniffing Pafundi (£40M bids rejected, but he's unsettled), Lyon eyeing Kroupi (£30M interest), and Saudi eyes on Felipe Matriciani (demanded talks—morale dip). Summer priority: 15-19 defensive/DM signings, but limited to avoid financial strain.

International boosts: 35+ call-ups now—van Persie U21 Netherlands debut, Lasme Ivory Coast star. Restes, Bundesliga's best keeper (20 clean sheets, fewest goals conceded), awaits his France senior call-up but is debating a switch to Ivory Coast for international fame.

Finances and Off-Pitch Wins

Success pushed balance to +£120M, but the stadium upgrade (adding 11,000 seats by November) was financed by yet another loan—adding £850k monthly repayments and straining things. Don't foresee many incomings to avoid breaking the bank; so far, just making loans permanent for Mastantuono, van Persie, and Bailey Rice (18-year-old DM from Rangers, tenacious tackler) for about £40M total. Board extended my contract to 2029 amid title hype; media dubbing us "Ahmed's Invincibles."

Save Stats Update (End of 2025/26 Season):

• League Position: 1st in Bundesliga (27W-5D-2L, +60 GD, 86 points)—Champions! 15 points clear of Bayern. Key results: 2-0 home vs. Bayern (Bardghji brace), 3-1 away at Leipzig (Martinez debut pens), title-clinching 2-0 vs. Wolfsburg.
• Champions League: Last 16 exit (4-5 agg. to Real Madrid). Standouts: 3-1 home vs. Real (van Persie brace), 5-0 away at Villarreal.
• DFB-Pokal: Semi-finals (lost on pens to RB Leipzig).
• Key Players: Shaqeel van Persie (18 goals in 19 apps—loan star), Junior Kroupi (14 goals), Simone Pafundi (12 from RW), Roony Bardghji/Bryan Lasme (11 each from wings), David Martinez (debut hero), Guillaume Restes (20 clean sheets in 35 apps—Bundesliga's best).
• Tactics: 4-2-3-1 Gegenpress (Balanced for CL)—Press wore teams down, but fatigue showed in Madrid.
• Finances: +£75M balance, -£850k/month (new stadium loan strain offsetting prizes).
• Biggest Headache: Defensive/DM thinness (Baumgartl/Mohr/Seguin sales needed); poaching on Pafundi/Kroupi/Matriciani. Title defense won't be easy without solid reinforcements—CL early exit shows the quality gap to major European clubs; we've got a way to go to challenge for the title.
• Squad Avg. Age: 21.3—Youth gold rush.
• FM Difficulty: Standard, no mods. Youth to Gold rules unbreakable.

Title kings — with teenagers! CL exit hurts, but the project's thriving. Summer: Bolster defense, secure permanents, navigate loan repayments. Part 7 after transfers and early 2026/27. Tips for defensive wonderkids or handling poaching? Drop 'em!

Up the Schalke!