Aouchiche hailed as Schalke game-changer after Sunderland exit

Adil Aouchiche Schalke impact is already being celebrated in Germany after the former Sunderland midfielder made a fast start following his winter switch.

Aouchiche left the Stadium of Light on deadline day, ending a mixed spell in England that yielded two goals and four assists in 38 appearances. After loan stints at Portsmouth and Aberdeen, Sunderland opted to sell the attacking midfielder permanently to Schalke.

Early signs suggest the move has reignited his form.

According to Bild and WAZ, Aouchiche has quickly settled into life in the 2. Bundesliga, contributing three assists in his first three matches. He also set up Edin Džeko during Schalke’s 5-3 win over Magdeburg at the weekend.

Džeko himself has registered four goals and three assists in five games, but German reports highlight Aouchiche as an “already game-changer” for the club’s attacking structure.

Kenan Karaman has also benefitted from the increased creativity, rediscovering form in recent fixtures.

Having followed Aouchiche’s time at Sunderland, the contrast is noticeable. At the Stadium of Light, he struggled for rhythm and consistency. In Germany, he appears to be operating with greater freedom.

However, it remains too early to draw firm conclusions after a small sample of matches.

WAZ report that Schalke director Max Lüftl played a decisive role in securing the deal, laying the groundwork before finalising the move on deadline day. The agreement reportedly allowed Schalke to sign the player on favourable terms.

Celebrations were said to have taken place inside club offices once the deal was confirmed, underlining internal belief in his potential impact.

Aouchiche has spoken positively about the environment.

“That’s just how I am. Here I can play my game – with this approach and this coach. He gives me the chance to be the best version of myself,” he said.

“Schalke has already become my club too – I feel it and I’m very happy to be here.”

Schalke will look to maintain momentum in their promotion push, with Aouchiche expected to remain central to the attacking setup. Sustained performance over the coming months will determine whether his early form translates into long-term influence. For Sunderland, attention shifts fully to their current squad rebuild.

Has Aouchiche finally found the environment to unlock his potential?