Bayern Munich have confirmed that they have agreed terms with Schalke 04 over the signing of goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
The Germany international had another season on his contract but was allowed to leave immediately, with both clubs confirming the deal on Wednesday.
Neuer will sign a five-year contract next week after returning from national team duty and passing a medical.
"We are very pleased to have signed the No 1 goalkeeper in Germany but also one of the best keepers in the world to a long-term contract," Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge told the club's website.
The 25-year-old will wear the number 1 shirt in Munich next season.
"I am really looking forward to this huge and exciting challenge at Bayern," Neuer said.
"Many of my international team-mates will be my team-mates in Munich. Therefore I won't be going into a new environment and will certainly settle in quickly."
Neuer's switch to Bayern had been expected since April when he confirmed he would not extend his contract at Schalke.
The keeper's deal expired next summer and Die Königsblauen could not risk the possibility of their captain and prized asset leaving on a free transfer.
Schalke sporting director Horst Heldt said: "This was a difficult decision for all those involved, because in Manuel Neuer the club are losing an outstanding player in every respect.
"But we have now finally decided to accept Bayern's offer, because given the circumstances it is the best solution for Schalke. We also promised Manuel we would honour his wish to be able to move on in the summer.
"Even though it will certainly hurt almost all Schalke supporters to the soul to lose such a role model, we should not forget the great things Manuel Neuer has achieved at the club.
"In sporting terms, he had a huge role in the success of the last five years, this season in winning the DFB-Pokal and in reaching the Champions League semi-finals for the first time."
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| Manuel Neuer is leaving Schalke to join Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich Photo: Reuters |
The Germany international had another season on his contract but was allowed to leave immediately, with both clubs confirming the deal on Wednesday.
No details of the fee were given by either club, but German media have widely reported that Bayern's bid was worth €18 million plus an estimated €7 million in bonuses linked to future Bayern successes.
Neuer will sign a five-year contract next week after returning from national team duty and passing a medical.
"We are very pleased to have signed the No 1 goalkeeper in Germany but also one of the best keepers in the world to a long-term contract," Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge told the club's website.
The 25-year-old will wear the number 1 shirt in Munich next season.
"I am really looking forward to this huge and exciting challenge at Bayern," Neuer said.
"Many of my international team-mates will be my team-mates in Munich. Therefore I won't be going into a new environment and will certainly settle in quickly."
Neuer's switch to Bayern had been expected since April when he confirmed he would not extend his contract at Schalke.
The keeper's deal expired next summer and Die Königsblauen could not risk the possibility of their captain and prized asset leaving on a free transfer.
Schalke sporting director Horst Heldt said: "This was a difficult decision for all those involved, because in Manuel Neuer the club are losing an outstanding player in every respect.
"But we have now finally decided to accept Bayern's offer, because given the circumstances it is the best solution for Schalke. We also promised Manuel we would honour his wish to be able to move on in the summer.
"Even though it will certainly hurt almost all Schalke supporters to the soul to lose such a role model, we should not forget the great things Manuel Neuer has achieved at the club.
"In sporting terms, he had a huge role in the success of the last five years, this season in winning the DFB-Pokal and in reaching the Champions League semi-finals for the first time."
Related links:
Team
Personal
Also see:
