体坛英语新闻：Real Madrid sign Turkish Nuri Sahin on six year contract

MADRID, May 9 (Xinhua) -- Real Madrid announced on Monday the signing of Turkish international Nuri Sahin on a six year contract from Borussia Dortmund.

The 22-year-old midfielder was a key piece of the Borussia side that won the German Bundesliga this season.

Sahin had been linked to a move to Real Madrid over the next few days as the Spanish side begins its work to strengthen the squad after being knocked out of the Champions League by FC Barcelona.

Although born in Germany, Sahin, preferred to play his international football for Turkey, making his debut in 2005 against Germany in a game in which he also scored a goal which makes him the youngest player to debut with a goal for Turkey.

Sahin spent the 2007/8 season on loan with Dutch side Feyenoord before returning to Borussia, where he has played a total of 135 matches and has scored 13 goals.

He is able to win the ball, but is also a creative player and should prove to be an effective partner for Xabi Alonso in the Real Madrid midfield.

Real Madrid have struggled to find creativity in the middle of the park when Alonso has been injured and Sahin should help resolve that problem, while giving still further depth to the squad

Although neither club has provided details of the cost of the deal, Sahin is thought to have cost around 12 million euros. His arrival could open the door for players such as Fernando Gago and Lassana Diarra to be sold over the summer.