Alphonso Davies officially has his move to European giants Bayern Munich.
The 17-year-old Ghanaian-born Canadian will officially join Bayern on January 1, 2019 as he signed a five-year deal on Wednesday, the club announced. Davies was in Philadelphia on Wednesday for a physical with Bayern as they prepare to face Juventus in the International Champions Cup at Lincoln Financial Field.
The deal is worth a guaranteed $13.5 million (€11.5m/£10m), with performance incentives that could take the deal above $21.5 million, Goal reported.
“As a kid, I always dreamed of a moment like this,” said Davies. “Now that the dream has come true, the work continues as always. I have to keep pushing and keep striving, and also keep being me on the field. Ever since I joined the ‘Caps when I was 14, they molded me throughout the years into the pro that I’ve become. Thanks to the fans for supporting me, I really enjoy playing in front of them in Vancouver.”
“Our entire team, from our youth coaches right through to our first-team coaches and support staff, have worked collaboratively for the past few years to nurture Alphonso’s exceptional talent,” added Whitecaps FC president Bob Lenarduzzi. “Alphonso is very special to us. We’re happy to have him for the rest of this season and excited to see him take on this new challenge next year.”
#FCBayern are delighted to announce the signing of @AlphonsoDavies! 🇨🇦
He’s joined the club on a contract running until 2023 🔴⚪️ #MiaSanMia pic.twitter.com/yKSowVLsz7
— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) July 25, 2018
Davies, has earned eight caps with the Canadian National Team but will be making a huge jump to Bayern from the Vancouver Whitecaps. He made his MLS debut back in 2016 with the Whitecaps, and has 55 appearances with the club since.
His production has skyrocketed in 2018, scoring three goals and registering six assists in 20 matches such far.
“Alphonso Davies is a very great talent,” Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidžić said. “At only 17, he promises a lot for the future. Alphonso already has great skills and was hotly courted by many top clubs for nothing. So I am very pleased that Davies has chosen FC Bayern. I would like to thank all those who worked on this transfer, especially our scouting and legal departments. That was great teamwork.”
Born in Buduburam, Ghana, Davies is excited for the next chapter of his journey as a pro player.
“I am very happy with my move to Bayern,” Davies said. “As a kid I always dreamed of such a moment. Now the dream has come true. But now the work continues, now I have to give everything to take advantage of this opportunity.”
Fifa rules unduly favor UEFA National teams. If you are Croatian you can move to Bayern at age 15 or 16 and begin training. An American kid is stuck with an MLS Dev. Acad. or USL until 18 (unless they have a Euro passport). Yes, other regions can improve their development programs too, but given the gaps, UEFA teams will continue to dominate the World Cup for the foreseeable future. It also makes it easier for colonial powers like Belgium and France to snag kids out of Africa and convince them to suit for them instead of their country of birth.
Let’s hear it for parity rules!!!
Shut up, stupid.
What he doesn’t realize is this rule also keeps Mexican youth from going to Europe in their teens to get better training. In eight years when Mexico crashes out of the group stage on home soil with an all European quarterfinals, he might wake up. If the rule was really designed to help youth exploitation U18s would only be able to sign with clubs in their home country.