Bayern Munich have signed teenager Alphonso Davies from Vancouver Whitecaps, which also broke the MLS transfer record for an export.
Bayern Munich, with a firm eye on the future, have secured the services of 17-year-old Alphonso Davies from Vancouver Whitecaps in a record-breaking for the MLS and the franchise. The German Champions shortly confirmed their capture of the teenager on their Twitter profile, although Davies will only be joining up after January.
The deal said to be around an initial £10 million has broken the MLS record for an export, beating the previous record set by the sale of Jozy Altidore when he moved from New York Red Bulls to Villareal for £5.85 million. The deal could rise to a potential £14 million in the future, based on performances and other factors.
#FCBayern are delighted to announce the signing of @AlphonsoDavies! ??
He’s joined the club on a contract running until 2023 ?⚪️ #MiaSanMia pic.twitter.com/yKSowVLsz7
— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) July 25, 2018
Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge confirmed the player has signed for the Bavarians, pending a medical, which was later established to have happened somewhat successfully. The 17-year-old Davies, however, will only move to the German club after January when he turns 18, until which he will continue playing for Vancouver Whitecaps.
Davies is Ghanian born and moved to Canada back in 2005 with his family as refugees. Since then, he has forged a footballing career and only recently obtained Canadian citizenship. Since that point, he has already represented the senior national side, becoming their youngest ever player.
Davies made his Whitecaps debut two years ago, aged 15, and has become a crucial part of their set up. Last season he played 20 MLS games, scoring three and assisting six goals for his teammates. He can play in on the left side of attack, as well as in a No.10 role, and displays excellent versatility.
Many clubs were on the trails of the attacker, including Manchester United, who had invited the MLS sensation for a trial, as well as Liverpool, who had shown an interest back in 2016. Eventually, it was Bayern who beat all possible competition to land Davies. That amount of money invested in such a young, seemingly untested talent, shows that Bayern were convinced of his future and believed in his ability.
Although he arrives at the Munich club only in January, after which Bayern will decide how to pan his career out. He is not expected to be a part of the Bayern set up right from the off but is regarded by the club as someone they want to develop for the future.