Bayern Munich sign Neuer & Rafinha

German Bundesliga giants FC Bayern Munich have signed German international goalkeeper Manuel Neuer from FC Schalke 04 and Brazilian right back Rafinha from FC Genoa 93 to strengthen their defence. After a bad season for Bayern Munich standard with a third place Bundesliga finish and no titles the Bavarians are planning to hit back next season and have realised that they need to strengthen their defence.

The defence is slowly coming together. The gap left by Oliver Kahn when he retired in 2008 seems now to be filled for years with Germany's no.1 Manuel Neuer being signed from Schalke 04 on a five year contract for a fee of 18 Million Euros which could rise to 25 Million Euros depending on the success of Bayern Munich. 37 year old Hans Joerg Butt has extended his contract by a year to be number two.

"I'm very pleased about the great and exciting challenge at Bayern," said Neuer. "A lot of colleagues in the national team will be my team-mates so I won't break completely new ground and I'll definitely adopt fast."

Right back Rafinha has been signed for a fee of 7 Million Euros from Italian side FC Genoa 93. The Brazilian brings years of Bundesliga experience with him having played like Neuer for Schalke 04.

"I'm delighted my transfer to Munich has worked out and that I'll be playing in the Bundesliga again. I hope finally to win the trophies I've been denied so far. I'll now be facing the best teams and the best players in the world, and I'm very happy," Rafinha said.

This means captain Philipp Lahm will be shifting back to the left and the club is still looking to sign a central defender. Prime candidate is German international Jerome Boateng of Manchester City, but there is a difference between the two sides valuation of the player. Manchester City are said to be demanding 20 Million Euros, while Bayern have offered 12,5 Million Euros.

Meanwhile Bayern Munich have also signed the 2.Bundesliga top scorer in Danish striker Nils Petersen from FC Energie Cottbus to have an option upfront.