(Photo: Action Images)
By Adam Ellis
Huddersfield Town have confirmed they will make Elias Kachunga's stay at the John Smith's Stadium permanent in the summer after triggering a buying clause in the German's loan deal.
The Terriers will pay FC Ingolstadt £1.13million to seal the services of their loanee forward's services and have handed Kachunga a three-year contract.
A club statement confirmed: “Huddersfield Town has today (Wednesday) triggered its clause to complete the permanent transfer of Elias Kachunga from Bundesliga side FC Ingolstadt 04.
“The 24-year-old will officially become a permanent Terrier on 1 July 2017, with the Club paying the German side £1.127 million.”
Kachunga has contributed to Huddersfield's surprise promotion charge this season, one that has defied expectations as the third-place side head into their remaining nine matches to play still within touch of Newcastle and Brighton.
Huddersfield boss David Wagner praised his countryman for making a seamless transition to English football after spending all of his career to date in Germany.
“I said in the summer that this move was perfect for the Club and the player, as the loan gave everyone the chance to see how Elias would adapt to English football. I think it's now correct to say he has adapted well!
“His style of play suits the English style perfectly. He has shown that he has learned from some early experiences in his career to become a better player.
“It's more remarkable that he came to us as a competitor at number nine, but has made the place on the right of midfield his own through his performances.
“I know he is a very popular man with the players and fans, so completing this move is a great day for the Club. The most exciting thing is that I believe, at 24 years old, there is still more to come from Elias.”
Under Wagner, the former Paderborn and Monchengladbach man made a quick start to life in the Championship by scoring nine goals in 25 appearances.
Since January, the goals have dried up for Kachunga but by adding two goals he has become Town's top goalscorer for the season with 11.
SIGNING: #htafc has paid 1.3 million EUR for @ekachunga15, who has penned a contract until 2020 #teamkaching https://t.co/MrbpJrIdSt (DTS) pic.twitter.com/WONLWO5F25
— Huddersfield Town (@htafc) March 22, 2017
