Cologne, June 23 (IANS): German football club Cologne has signed Stade Rennais striker Philipp Hosiner for one season on loan.

The 26-year-old striker penned a loan contract for one season with the 'Billy Goats'. Cologne already wanted to sign the Austrian international last season but the striker failed the medical test due to a renal tumor, reports Xinhua.

"We are convinced of Philipp's qualities, therefore we already wanted to sign him last winter break. It is nice that he recovered and we were able to agree on a transfer. With his agility and goal-getter instinct, Philipp improves the variability of our offence," Cologne chief executive Joerg Schmadtke said.

Due to the renal tumor, Hosiner made only 12 appearances since his transfer from Austria Wien to Stade Rennais in the summer 2014.

"For me, an emotional circle closes and I am very happy that my transfer to Cologne worked out with the second attempt," said Hosiner, who received jersey No.15.

The Austrian international knows Cologne's coach Peter Stoeger from his spell at Austria Wien where he scored 41 goals in 61 appearances.

The Billy Goats completed the last Bundesliga season in 12th place.