Bayern Munich sign centre-back Jan Kirchhoff for next season

German Bundesliga giants FC Bayern Munich have signed 22-year-old centre-back Jan Kirchhoff from FSV Mainz 05 on a free transfer for the new season. The much sought after German junior international, will join the Bavarian club on a three-year contract until June 2016.”We’re delighted we’ve been able to bring this highly-talented Under-21 international to FC Bayern. I’m personally very pleased he’s chosen to take on the challenge,” commented Director of Sport Matthias Sammer from the club’s ongoing training camp in Doha.The Frankfurt-born Jan Kirchhoff started his career at the youth level with Eintracht Frankfurt before shifting in 2007 to rivals FSV Mainz 05. In 2009 he was part of Mainz’s Under-19 team which won the Under-19 Bundesliga title and since then has made his mark with the first team in the Bundesliga proper not only as a centre-back but also a defensive midfielder.

Kirchhoff was a target for a number of Bundesliga sides due to the fact that his contract with Mainz 05 was running out. FC Schalke 04, Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Borussia Mönchengladbach and 1899 Hoffenheim were all hoping to sign the talented footballer, but in the end he decided to sign for Bayern Munich.

Though the transfer has been fixed for the new season, it might happen that Bayern Munich could approach Mainz 05 with a transfer fee offer and sign Kirchhoff in the winter transfer window.