Sheffield United: Striker completes switch to German giants
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Apparently destined to join Millwall after finishing last season on loan at The Den, Burke has elected to join the four-time Bundesliga champions instead following talks with their head coach Ole Werner.
The switch sees Burke return to the country where he spent a season with Red Bull Leipzig earlier in his career, before being unveiled by West Bromwich Albion and then United.
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Hide AdSigned by Chris Wilder two years ago, as part of a swap plus cash deal which saw Callum Robinson head to The Hawthorns, Burke struggled to cement a place in United’s starting eleven with opportunities proving even more limited following the now Middlesbrough chief’s departure.
But Bremen’s decision to invest what United have described as an “undisclosed sum” in order to secure his services suggests Burke’s stock in Germany remains high. Although not thought to be a significant amount, United supporters will hope the attacker’s departure heralds the start of this summer’s recruitment drive at Bramall Lane after Heckingbottom confirmed he is more focused on new arrivals rather than negotiating exits.
Bremen were promoted back to the top-flight after finishing second in Bundesliga 2, three points ahead of Hamburg who were defeated by Hertha Berlin in the end of term play-offs.
Aged 25, Burke scored twice in 36 appearances for United, before claiming two in 14 following his transfer to south London ahead of a return to South Yorkshire.