MUNICH, Sporting Alert – Bayern Munich have announced that they have signed a pair of English Premier League star before the summer transfer window opens.
The German champions revealed on Tuesday they have snapped up Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels and Benfica midfielder Renato Sanches, two players who were heavily linked with moves to the Premier League, and Manchester United, in particular.
Carlo Ancelotti, who will take charge at the Allianz Arena this summer, when Pep Guardiola departs for Manchester City, have been working silently behind the pictures as he looks to build his own squad for next season.
It is understood that Hummels, who was reportedly a big target for Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea last summer, will make the short trip from Borussia Dortmund to Bayern Munich on a five-year deal, which is subject to him passing a medical.
No fee has been announced for the centre-back, with the clubs staying silent on the exact fee.
The 27-year-old German World Cup 2014 winner, who began his career at Bayern Munich and played in one Bundesliga match in 2007, before moving to Dortmund, joined the likes of Mario Gotze and Robert Lewandowski, who have also made the switch from Dortmund to Bayern in recent seasons.
The final appearance for Hummels with his current club will be against Bayern in the German Cup final on 21 May.
“Mats is one of the best central defender in the world,” Bayern Chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said.
“With him, we can increase the quality of our team again.”
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich have shell out some €35m for Benfica midfielder Sanches, who was a target for most of the top clubs in Europe.
BBC Sports report say this figure could increase to as many as €45m.
The 18-year-old was being chased by Manchester United, but opted to go with the German champions who are expected to make a number of personnel changes under Ancelotti in the summer.
Portugal star completed his medical on Monday, and has also put pen to paper on a five-year deal.
“Renato Sanches has been observed over a long period of time by FC Bayern,” said Rummenigge.
“We are fortunate to have signed him in spite of well-known international competition. Renato is a dynamic, combative and technically gifted midfielder, who will strengthen our team further.”
His capture could very well see Gotze, who has been frustrated with his role in the team, leaving this summer.
Bayern Munich have won the German Bundesliga crown for a record fourth year in succession this season, but the big bosses are more interested in winning the Champions League, something Guardiola failed to do in his three years.
