Transfer confirmed: Chelsea complete £18m deal for German forward André Schürrle

Germany international becomes Mourinho's first recruit

Andre Schurrle (GETTY IMAGES)

Germany international André Schürrle's projected move to Chelsea from Bayer Leverkusen has finally been confirmed for a fee of £18m.

Chelsea have completed the signing of forward on a five-year contract, with the Germany international becoming the first recruit of Jose Mourinho's second spell in charge at Stamford Bridge.

The 22-year-old expressed his disappointment that a move to the Blues failed to materialise last summer. Leverkusen turned down bids of £16m and £18m last year. He will wear the number 14 shirt.

It was announced on June 13 that Chelsea and Bayer Leverkusen had reached an agreement for his transfer and the 22-year-old's move to Stamford Bridge was confirmed after paperwork was completed.

Bayer, who have secured Champions League qualification for next season, were interested in Blues midfielder Kevin de Bruyne. The Belgian star impressed Bayer whilst on loan at Bundesliga rivals Werder Bremen last season. However, Mourinho has indicated that De Bruyne will not be sold or loaned out next season.

Schürrle said on chelseafc.com: "I am so happy now I have signed and it is an honour for me to play for this club, with this team and for these great fans.

"I am really looking forward to it."

Schürrle has scored seven goals in 24 appearances for Germany, since making his debut in November 2010 while at Mainz, whom he joined from Ludwigshafener in 2009.

He signed for Leverkusen at the end of the 2010/11 season.

In his first campaign he scored nine times in 40 appearances and last term he netted 14 in 43 to earn his move to Stamford Bridge.