World Cup winner Schurrle joins Fulham on loan

Andre Schurrle, a World Cup winner with Germany in 2014, has joined Fulham on loan after falling out of favour at Borussia Dortmund.

The winger sat out Dortmund’s International Champions Cup win over Manchester City last week, with the club confirming he was not involved after being “excused due to negotiations with another club”.

Crystal Palace and AC Milan were also linked with the 27-year-old, who assisted the winning goal for Mario Gotze in the World Cup final four years ago, but it is Fulham – who gained promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs last season – who have won the race for his signature.

It seals a return to England for Schurrle after three years back in Germany, and the former Chelsea man is looking forward to life at Craven Cottage.

“I’m so happy to be here, I can’t wait to get started. Fulham were the first club that showed interest in me – that was something that I appreciated a lot, and one of the reasons I wanted to come here,” Schurrle told fulhamfctv.

“I love ball possession, I love attacking, and I love making runs, so I think it could be perfect.

So happy to be a player of @FulhamFC let’s GO #COYW pic.twitter.com/fxZ0kqNizL

— André Schürrle (@Andre_Schuerrle) July 25, 2018

“I have to fight for my place and I have to show my quality so that I can be a member who really helps the team.”

Fulham vice-chairman Tony Khan is confident Schurrle can be the man to provide Slavisa Jokanovic’s side top-flight experience after their Play-Off final win over Aston Villa in May.

“Andre has been a top target for us, as he has for other clubs throughout Europe, so I’m very happy that our pursuit was successful,” he said.

“He has vast experience, having played in the Premier League, the Bundesliga and with the German national team, including the squad that won the World Cup in 2014.

“We’re ecstatic that we have reached an agreement to add Andre, given his impeccable credentials and his tremendous skill, and can’t wait to see him in Fulham colours.”