BAYERN MUNICH SIGNS GOALKEEPER SOMMER FROM GLADBACH TO REPLACE INJURED NEUER

Bayern Munich announced on Thursday that it has signed Switzerland goalkeeper Yann Sommer from Borussia Moenchengladbach to replace the injured Manuel Neuer.

The 34-year-old Swiss signed a contract extension until 2025, putting an end to Bayern’s weeks-long frantic search for a goalkeeper following Neuer’s injury.

According to German media, Bayern paid Gladbach a transfer fee of around eight million euros.

“Yann Sommer is a valuable reinforcement because he has international experience and has known the Bundesliga for many years,” club CEO Oliver Kahn said.

“He brings everything he needs to contribute immediately to our success. We are confident that Yann Sommer will help us achieve our objectives.”

Germany goalkeeper Neuer broke his leg while skiing in December and had surgery, ruling him out for the rest of the season.

Sommer, 34, has been at Gladbach since 2014 and has played in the Champions League with both Basel and Gladbach. He helped Switzerland advance past the group stage at last month’s World Cup.

“I’m looking forward to my tasks at Bayern, a big club with a lot of power,” Sommer said in a statement released by the club. “I’m proud to be a member of Bayern. We face significant challenges.”

He could be thrown right into the action when Bayern plays RB Leipzig in the season opener on Friday.

Bayern, which leads the Bundesliga by four points, will face PSG in the Champions League knockout stage next month.