Bayern Munich signs Corentin Tolisso from Lyon
Thursday, June 15, 2017
Yesterday, German football club FC Bayern Munich announced signing of Corentin Tolisso from Olympique Lyonnais. The 22-year-old French international midfielder has signed a five-year contract.
Tolisso joined Lyon's academy when he was 13-years-old and made 160 appearance for the club in all competitions scoring 29 goals.
Via their official website, Lyon announced that the clubs agreed to a fee of €41.5 million (£35 million) for Tolisso's transfer. Per the agreement, Lyon may receive a bonus up to €6 million depending on the Tolisso's performance. This was the highest transfer money Lyon has received till now, the French club said.
Lyon club president Jean-Michel Aulas said Tolisso's departure was an "emotional and qualitative loss" ((fr))French language: une perte affective et qualitative for the club and described him as "an exceptional player, undoubtedly one of the best European in his position but also a man with a strong personality." ((fr))French language: un joueur exceptionnel, sans doute un des meilleurs européens à son poste mais aussi un homme à forte personnalité. He added further "It is also a pride to see a player trained by the Lyon Academy join one of the best clubs in Europe" ((fr))French language: c’est également une fierté de voir un joueur formé par l’Academy OL rejoindre l’un des meilleurs clubs d’Europe.
Bayern's chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge reserved similar praise for Tolisso, saying, "We're really pleased we've been able to sign such a young and interesting player ahead of stiff competition from abroad. Corentin Tolisso was Carlo Ancelotti's wish for our midfield."
Previously, Bayern had announced signing Serge Gnabry, Sebastien Rudy and Niklas Süle.
Sources
- Associated Press. "Bayern Munich sign Corentin Tolisso from Lyon in £35m deal" — The Guardian, June 14, 2017
- "Communiqué : Transfert de Corentin Tolisso au Bayern Munich" — Olympique Lyonnais, June 14, 2017 (French)
- "FC Bayern sign Corentin Tolisso" — FC Bayern Munich, June 14, 2017