Thiago Alcántara signs for Bayern Munich

Thiago Alcántara

Bayern Munich have signed young Spanish starlet Thiago Alcántara from Barcelona, the two clubs confirmed on Sunday.

The Italian-born midfielder joins the reigning European champions for a fee of €25 million. There seemed to be immense interest in the 22-year old from Premier League champions Manchester United as well. Thiago’s decision to choose Bayern is said to have been massively influenced by his former mentor at Barcelona Pep Guardiola, who is now the manager of Bayern Munich.

“Thiago Alcantara was the most desired candidate of our new coach Pep Guardiola. We are delighted that we were able to complete such a great transfer. He has just been elected as the best player of the Under 21 European Championship. He is a fantastic player with a great perspective, who will strengthen Bayern,” chairman Karl Heinz Rummenigge said in a press release on Sunday.

Since making his debut in 2009, Thiago made 160 appearances for the Catalans scoring 14 goals in that period. His biggest accomplishment came at the UEFA U21 European Championships last month where he captained Spain to the title, scoring a hat-trick in the final.

Source: FC Barcelona official website