Bayern Munich sign ‘top target’ De Ligt from Juventus for $82mn

Bayern Munich announced the signing of Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt on a five-year deal yesterday. “Matthijs de Ligt was a top target for us. With signings like this, the big aims that we have are achievable. The future face of our team is increasingly taking shape,” said Bayern president Herbert Heiner.Reports in the German media put the cost to Bayern of securing the Dutch central defender at 70mn euros plus 10mn in bonuses ($82mn in total). Bayern will use the proceeds from the transfer of Polish striker Robert Lewandowski to Barcelona, estimated at more than 45mn euros, to help finance the move. “This transfer is an important building block in the overall concept that we’re gradually putting into place. De Ligt should become a mainstay at FC Bayern” added Hainer.His arrival follows that of Sadio Mane from Liverpool as Bayern embark on their new post Lewandowski-era. De Ligt joined the Ajax academy at nine years of age, making his debut for the record Dutch champions at 17. He became their youngest ever captain, and in 2019 after 117 appearances (13 goals), and the league and cup double he moved to Juventus.His time with Juve earned him more silverware, with a Serie A title, an Italian cup and Super Cup. On the international stage he was the Netherlands’ youngest debutant since 1945, and has gone on to earn 38 caps for his national side, scoring twice.Dortmund’s Haller vows to ‘come back stronger’ after testicular tumour diagnosisBorussia Dortmund striker Sebastien Haller vowed to ‘come back stronger’ as he thanked fans for their support following his diagnosis for a testicular tumour. Ivory Coast’s Haller joined the German club earlier this month as a replacement for Erling Haaland, who has signed for Manchester City.But the 28-year-old left the team’s pre-season training camp in Switzerland on Monday after a tumour was found in his testicle. “I want to thank you again from the bottom of my heart for all these many warm messages received,” the 28-year-old said in a post on Twitter. “I was very moved to see these beautiful reactions and I even feel like I don’t deserve so much. But I said that thanks to you it will only be one more challenge in our journey. See you very soon on the pitch to celebrate our next victories. My family and I thank you. I will now focus on my recovery to come back stronger.”Dortmund paid Ajax 31mn euros ($31.5mn) for the 28-year-old after he scored 47 goals in 65 appearances for the Dutch side. Dortmund’s first game of the new Bundesliga season is against Bayer Leverkusen on August 6, eight days after heading to third-tier 1860 Munich in the first round of the German Cup.