Football United

Belgium striker Emile Mpenza is returning to the Bundesliga after agreeing a four-year contract with Hamburger SV.

Standard success
The 25-year-old spent four years in Germany with FC Schalke 04 but left last summer despite scoring 28 goals in 79 games. Mpenza spent the 2003/04 season with R. Standard de Liege and enjoyed a successful campaign with 21 goals in 28 appearances as the club finished third.

Schalke agreement
Mpenza, who was due to have a medical today, will cost a reported €2.5m. Schalke had to agree to the transfer as they had a clause which required Standard to ask permission before Mpenza could return to the Bundesliga.

Huge relief all round in Hamburg. The club has finally managed to complete their first big signing for next season...a real first class striker. Mpenza will be introduced to the Hamburg press in the AOL Arena this afternoon.

Fukal leaving
Meanwhile, Hamburg have let versatile defender Milan Fukal join Bundesliga rivals VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach on a free transfer. The Czech international has signed a three-year contract. Fukal, 29, said: "I am really looking forward to playing for Borussia. I think the club has got a bright future."

Source: Uefa.com, Hsv.de