Obasi to join Schalke permanently

Schalke have activated the purchase clause in Chinedu Obasi’s loan deal from Hoffenheim, securing his signature until 2015.

Schalke have paid Hoffenheim five million euros for the Nigerian international, who joined the club on loan in January.

Obasi has scored once in eight Bundesliga appearances this season for Schalke and he has shown enough to get a permanent deal.

“He is on the right track with us. This is why we have decided to exercise the buy option in his loan deal,” Schalke sporting director Horst Heldt told Sport Bild.

“He is a very important player as he can fill in superbly in attacking midfield, regardless if it is left or right wing. We have not had any issues with him, we plan ahead with Chinedu in mind.”

Obasi was excited when the news of his move was confirmed.

“I am delighted by the additional time at Schalke. It is a really big club and a great team who are always competing for titles,” Obasi said.

Schalke sit third in the Bundesliga, nine points behind table-toppers Borussia Dortmund, and face Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League quarter-finals on Thursday.