Just a few hours ago, Bayern Munich announced the acquisition of Canadian teenager Alphonso Davies from the Vancouver Whitecaps. The Bavarian giants paid $13.5 million for the 17-year-old, making him the most expensive Major League Soccer player in league history.
The six time defending Bundesliga champions broke a record which had stood for a decade, and previously belonged to Jozy Altidore, when moved to Villareal.
Alphonso Davies' transfer to Bayern Munich makes him the most expensive MLS player of all time.
Not bad for a 17-year-old ?? pic.twitter.com/HAVA1aJK3x
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 25, 2018
We joined in when Chicago Fire General Manager Nelson Rodriguez hosted a media round table session at Toyota Park on Wednesday.
“When you have news like today, the closure of Alphonso Davies I think it continues to demonstrate you can grow your career here,” said Rodriguez.
“You can continue begin your career here, you can develop here- we are a league of choice, and we want the Chicago Fire to be a club of choice.”
Rodriguez also extolled the virtues of MLS in general: “they (big name players from Europe who moved overseas to America in the twilight of their careers) see the explosion of fans, they see the great environments and they want to be part of it.”
Davies signed a deal with one of the world’s richest, most powerful and wholeheartedly beloved teams in the entire world that will keep him there until 2023.
“As a kid, I always dreamed of a moment like this,” said the statement attributed to 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.”
#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 Munich (@FCBayernEN) July 25, 2018
There was more Bayern Munich related news later in the media session with Rodriguez.
The Fire GM revealed that Bastian Schweinsteiger wants to return to the Fire for another year, and that the club also want to bring him back for a third year. Rodriguez also said both sides are confident a deal will get done after the season is over.
The Fire vs FC Bayern Bastian Schweinsteiger testimonial is set for Aug 28 at Allianz Arena.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, is currently a regular contributor to SB Nation, WGN CLTV and Chicago Now.
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