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FC Schalke 04 completed the signing of Younes Belhanda on a six-month loan deal on Wednesday. - © © DFL DEUTSCHE FUSSBALL LIGA
FC Schalke 04 completed the signing of Younes Belhanda on a six-month loan deal on Wednesday. - © © DFL DEUTSCHE FUSSBALL LIGA

#BLWorldtour: Schalke capture Belhanda; Jedvaj champing at the bit

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It was an eventful day for Bayer 04 Leverkusen and FC Schalke 04 in Florida on Wednesday as the Bundesliga duo continued their preparations for the second half of the 2015/16 campaign.

Belhanda signs

Die Werkself were once again put through their paces in two rigorous fitness sessions, while the Royal Blues squad, who embarked on their first full day in Orlando after arriving late on Tuesday, were joined by their first signing of the January transfer window.

Andre Breitenreiter’s side secured the loan signing of FC Dynamo Kyiv attacking midfielder Younes Belhanda on a six-month loan deal on Wednesday afternoon. The Morocco international completed his medical at the club’s training camp in Orlando and will be eager to show what he can do in the upcoming Florida Cup, which gets underway on Sunday.

"I’ve often dreamt about playing in the Bundesliga," Belhanda told schalke04.de. "I know Schalke already from when I was at Montpellier - I played against them in the Champions League. It’s a big club and Schalke has a great history, a big stadium and fantastic fans."

Jedvaj up and running

There were plenty of enthusiastic supporters in attendance at both Leverkusen’s training sessions, many of whom were dressed in sombreros and Mexico shirts in support of star striker Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez. The 27-year-old was joined on the training pitch by young full-back Tin Jedvaj, who is looking to return to full fitness following a lengthy injury absence.

"It’s a brilliant feeling [to have returned to training]," said the Croatian defender, who suffered a torn thigh muscle in October last year. "I’ve been out for so long, but I’m feeling better every day and I’m ready to give my all in the coming days."

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The boss is here, as are #Chicharitooor's fans of course!

Next training session in Orlando is underway!