Bayern Munich sign Jerome Boateng deal

Bundesliga giants FC Bayern Munich today officially announced the signing of German international defender Jerome Boateng from English Premier League side Manchester City. The two clubs did not disclose the transfer fee but it is thought to be in the region of 13,5 Million Euros.

Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said, "The negotiations were intense and long, but we have now brought this transfer to a successful conclusion. By signing Jerome Boateng, we are bringing in the player we wanted for the centre of our defence."

Bayern Munich have been pro-active over the summer to sign necessary players to strengthen the team in key departments after a rather weak 2010/11 campaign which brought no trophies to Munich. Now Bayern have one last player to sign in Chilean midfielder Arturo Vidal from Bayer 04 Leverkusen with their Bundesliga rivals unwilling to let Vidal leave and even less to their south German rivals.

Bayern' Director of Sport Christian Nerlinger said, "Jerome Boateng is a young Germany international, and thus a perfect fit to our philosophy here at FC Bayern. He is also the player our head coach Jupp Heynckes wanted."

Bayern Munich had made one last final attempt to sign Boateng and where successful as Manchester City reduced the price tag attached to Boateng, while Bayern had already sorted out a back-up plan in having agreed terms with club and player in FC Chelsea's Brazilian defender Alex.

Jerome Boateng is the sixth new signing at Bayern Munich following the signing of German international goalkeeper Manuel Neuer (FC Schalke 04), Brazilian right back Rafinha (FC Genoa 93, Italy), young striker Nils Petersen (FC Energie Cottbus), Japanese teenager Takashi Usami (Gamba Osaka) and only yesterday English teenager Dale Jennings (Tranmere Rovers).