Bayern ended an 11-year run of consecutive Bundesliga championships last season, finishing third behind champions Stuttgart and Bayer Leverkusen.
The French attacker Michael Olise, formerly of Crystal Palace, has joined Bayern Munich, the German powerhouses announced on Sunday.
According to German publication Kicker, Bayern fulfilled the Premier League team’s release clause by paying 70 million euros ($75 million) to capture Olise’s talents for a five-year contract.
On Sunday, Olise, 22, finished his medical examination in the capital of Bayern.
“It’s a great challenge, and that’s exactly what I was looking for,.
“I want to prove myself at this level and play my part in ensuring that we win as many titles as possible with our team in the coming years,” Olise said.
Born in London, Olise has represented France’s youth teams and will play for Les Bleus under coach Thierry Henry at the Paris Olympics in August.
Throughout the course of the London club’s 19 Premier League games last season, Olise tallied 10 goals and six assists.
Following the arrival of Stuttgart-based Japanese defender Hiroki Ito, he is Bayern’s second significant summer addition.
Bayern ended an 11-year run of consecutive Bundesliga championships last season, finishing third behind champions Stuttgart and Bayer Leverkusen.
Other than England captain Harry Kane, who scored 36 goals in 32 Bundesliga games, Bayern struggled for goals last season, with only Jamal Musiala (10 goals) reaching double figures.
“We want new impetus in our team, new energy, new ideas -– that’s what players like Michael Olise stand for,” Bayern sporting director Max Eberl said in a statement.
“We’re very much looking forward to having him here. He will enrich our game.”
Bayern are also reportedly close to finalising a deal for Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha, while Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah and RB Leipzig forward Xavi Simons are also on their shopping list.
AFP