Mertcan Ayhan, an 18-year-old player who can function both as a defender and a defensive midfielder, is currently part of the youth squad at Schalke 04 and leads Turkey's U19 national team as its captain. His contract with Schalke 04 is nearing its end, with only a slim possibility of being renewed. Club Brugge is reportedly keen on acquiring him on a free transfer, but they are confronted with substantial competition from other interested parties, including Genoa CFC as well as clubs from the Netherlands, Germany, and Turkey.