Alonso to Bayern
August 29, 2014
Bayern Munich are continuing with their summer spending spree, signing Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso to the club just before the European transfer period closes next week. Real Madrid confirmed Alonso's move today, after Bayern had announced the likely move on Thursday (28.08.2014).
According to German media reports, the Spanish superstar is expected to cost Bayern around eight million euros ($10.53 million) in transfer fees.
"We believe it is necessary [to sign Alonso] for our team, to meet the requirements of our fans and the club as a whole," said Bayern sports director Matthias Sammer.
"It was a purely sporting decision to help us immediately and raise our quality," he added. "Alonso's constitution means he is capable of playing at the very highest level for at least another two years."
Replacement for Martinez?
The 32-year-old defensive midfielder will be expected to help make up the loss of Javi Martinez, who injured himself in pre-season competition. Alonso is the second big name player to join Bayern in just a few days: earlier this week the club signed on Moroccan international Mehdi Benatia, from Italian club AS Roma.
Alonso won the Champions League with Real Madrid in May of this year, but has previously played with Liverpool and Real Sociedad. He also made 114 appearances for Spain, winning the 2010 World Cup and the European Championships in 2008 and 2012.
He will be the fifth Spanish player at the club and the fourth to join Bayern's ranks since coach Pep Guardiola took over at Bayern last year.
al/hc (dpa, SID)