Storm routine for relegation
©IMAGO
After Fabian Schleusener announced his departure from Karlsruher SC at the end of April after five years, it is now clear where the 34-year-old center forward is headed. Fortuna Düsseldorf confirmed the commitment of the veteran, who has signed a contract until 2028, on Thursday evening.
Schleusener is the fourth external newcomer to the second division relegated club and could be planned as a replacement for top scorer Cedric Itten (29), who will leave the club after the World Cup, in which he is taking part with Switzerland. Bundesliga club Werder Bremen is considered the most promising candidate for the signing so far. Itten is said to be in agreement with the North Germans.
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Schleusener from KSC to Fortuna Düsseldorf: The voices
“Fabian is a physically strong offensive player who has consistently demonstrated his ability to score goals in recent years,” said Fortuna’s sports director Samir Arabi. “We are very pleased that we were able to win him for Fortuna and are convinced that he will strengthen us not only with goals, but also with his great experience.”
Schleusener said: “The discussions with those responsible were very positive and decisive for me to come to Fortuna. I’m really keen on the task and have consciously decided against offers from higher leagues. I want to bring my qualities to the pitch here, but also be someone who is there for the other players. I’m looking forward to getting started again and getting to know the team.” When he left KSC, he made it clear: “The sporting perspective was my top priority in all considerations. After an open exchange with those responsible, I therefore decided to continue my career elsewhere at home or abroad. I am taking this step with respect for the club and great gratitude for the time we spent together.”
Schleusener played for KSC in a total of 220 competitive games in the 2017/18 season and since 2021, scoring 73 goals and contributing 25 assists. With his number of appearances he is in the top 25 of Baden’s record players. After stints in Bahlingen, Freiburg, at FSV Frankfurt, Sandhausen, Nuremberg and Karlsruhe, Düsseldorf will be his first in western Germany.