Schalke 04 have confirmed the loan signing of Burnley attacker Darko Churlinov for the remainder of the campaign, with the agreement containing an option to buy in the summer.
The former Stuttgart winger joined the Clarets in the summer of 2022, playing seven matches in the Championship as the Clarets cantered to the second-tier title in 2022-23.
Churlinov was hospitalised with suspected blood poisoning ahead of the current campaign which halted his pre-season preparations, although the winger has now been back in training for three months.
Apart from three appearances for North Macedonia on the international stage, the 23-year-old has only turned out in reserve football this season.
Following the completion of a deal between Burnley and Schalke, Churlinov will return to the side which he enjoyed a temporary spell with during the 2021-22 term.
We can confirm that Darko Churlinov has joined Bundesliga 2 side FC Schalke 04 on loan until the end of the season 🤝
— Burnley FC (@BurnleyOfficial) January 23, 2024
The 23-year-old joined the Clarets from Vfb Stuttgart in the summer of 2022 and will now spend the remainder of the current campaign in Germany 🇩🇪
It's a return... pic.twitter.com/b5JCXRqH0h
"I'm pleased to be back auf Schalke, I've always stayed in touch with the club and the fans," Churlinov told Schalke's official website on Tuesday morning.
"I want now to pay back the club for their faith in me – preferably with goals, assists, and, most of all, with wins."
After relegation from the top flight of German football last campaign, the Royal Blues are plying their trade in Bundesliga 2, however an immediate promotion is very unlikely.
Karel Geraerts's men are 14th in the second-tier standings after 18 contests, 14 points behind third-placed Hamburger SV and only three points ahead of Eintracht Braunschweig in the relegation-playoff spot.
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After helping Union SG battle for the Belgian Pro League crown last season, 42-year-old Geraerts is under pressure at Veltins Arena, however he is confident that the arrival of Churlinov will help his side move away from danger.
"His versatility and creativity will provide us with new options. I spoke a lot with Burnley's coach Vincent Kompany about Darko's fitness levels," explained Geraerts.
"He confirmed that Darko has fully trained with the team over the last three months and has played for the reserves too. Our tests confirmed these positives".
With Churlinov supposedly fit for selection, the Macedonian could make his second debut for Schalke when they travel to fellow strugglers Kaiserslautern on Friday evening.
Carter White
