Bayer 04 sign Isaac Kiese Thelin on loan from Anderlecht

For Rudi Völler, managing director sport, the 1.89 metre central striker is a good addition to the current strike force. "After the serious injury to Joel Pohjanpalo,  we intensified our search for a classic centre forward. With Isaac Kiese Thelin, we've brought in a striker who's good  in the air."

"He's done brilliantly in the Belgian league," said head coach Heiko Herrlich. "Isaac represents an additional option for us up front. He will make our attacking game even more flexible."

Kiese Thelin is looking forward to the new challenge. "Bayer 04 are a big club with an exciting past. Leverkusen are consistently in Europe and they have ambitious targets for the coming season. I want to contribute to achieving those targets."

'the Number 11 makes me feel proud'

Thelin will wear the number 11 shirt for the Werkself. "Of course, I know Stefan Kießling. He's a legendary striker," declared Kiese Thelin. "Being the number 11 makes me feel proud. I hope I can produce good performances in the shirt."

The striker, born in Örebro, has won 24  caps and scored two goals for Sweden and he made four brief appearances at this summer's World Cup in Russia in three group matches and the Round of 16 game against Switzerland. In Sweden, Kiese Thelin played for Karslunds, IFK Norrköping and Malmö FF at club level, before moving on to French club Bordeaux in 2015. Then he joined RSC Anderlecht; there he went out on loan to Waasland-Beveren last term where he scored 16 goals in 25 games – the best return in the Belgian Jupiler Pro League. He also found the back of the net three times in the play-offs.