Chelsea confirm €22m signing of Andre Schurrle

By on June 13, 2013

Chelsea have completed the €22m signing of Andre Schurrle

Andre Schurrle has become Jose Mourinho’s first signing since rejoining Chelsea after the London club announced the €22 million capture of the German forward from Bayer Leverkusen. Schurrle, who first came to Chelsea’s attention during Leverkusen’s Champions League match at Stamford Bridge in 2011, will give Mourinho more attacking options, and can play left wing, where he can cut in on his favored right foot, or behind the striker in the No10 position.

The 22-year-old has earned 24 caps for Germany, and although having been close to a move to London for several months, Leverkusen postponed the deal until finding a suitable replacement for the starlet. Now, following Leverkusen’s signing of Son Heung-min, Chelsea have confirmed the singing on their official website in a statement reading: “Chelsea Football Club and Bayer 04 Leverkusen have reached an agreement for the transfer of Andre Schurrle, subject to the completion of legal documentation and related matters, including personal terms and passing a medical.”

Despite rumors of Chelsea sending midfielder Kevin De Bruyne out on loan at Leverkusen as part of the deal, the Blues did not mention the 21-year-old in the announcement, with Mourinho suggesting the player is part of his long-term plans in a Monday morning press conference. Still, De Bruyne is rumored to be interested in a permanent move to Borussia Dortmund or Schalke 04.

Even if De Bruyne stays Mourinho will be looking to whip out some of owner Roman Abrahmovic’s cash to strengthen his side, which finished third last season in the Premier League. The Spaniard is looking to sign Napoli forward Edison Cavani, while also being linked with frustrated Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney. Mourinho also said he would like to bring forward the club’s youth players, among which 20-year-old Josh McEachran is expected to break into the Chelsea squad next season.

“These ‘kids’ – and I say that respectfully – have big potential and big space for improvement. They’ve not reached their best level,” Mourinho said.

“The stability the owner and I can give them is related to work – in the methods, the coaching philosophy, in my leadership, in everything that can help them improve.

“When you mix with them those who are over 30, we will keep a balance and try to go on.”

About Alex Morgan

Alex Morgan, founder of Football Every Day, lives and breaths football from the West Coast of the United States in California. Aside from founding Football Every Day in January of 2013, Alex has also launched his own journalism career and hopes to help others do the same with FBED. He covers the San Jose Earthquakes as a beat reporter for QuakesTalk.com and his work has also been featured in the BBC's Match of the Day Magazine.