According to Bild, Schnusenberg's quotes come as part of Schalke's plans to reduce their annual expenses from $67.7 million to $47.4 million.

"We want to have a good young team that will represent Schalke for many years to come," Schnusenberg said.

"As for winning the Bundesliga or playing in the UEFA Champions League, fans will have to understand that this will take longer time to be achieved."

Bild added that striker Kevin Kuranyi and Brazilian full-back Rafinha will be the first to exit the club alongside Mladen Krstajic, Marcelo Bordon and Levan Kobiashvili.

The Royal Blues, who are currently eighth in the Bundesliga, last won the competition's title in 1958.