Munich sign Basel's Swiss talent Shaqiri

Feb 9, 2012, 8:43 GMT

Munich - Bayern Munich have signed Switzerland midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri on a four-year contract from next season onwards, the German Bundesliga club said on Thursday on their website.

Shaquiri, 20, put pen to paper on the deal until 2016 after undergoing the mandatory medical in a move from Swiss side Basel, who are also their round of 16 opponents in the Champions League.

No financial details were given, but news reports estimated the transfer at up to 12 million euros (15.9 million dollars). Kosovo-born Shaqiri, who had a contract until 2014 at Basel, is Munich's first new player for next season.

'We are delighted to have signed one of the most sought talents in European football,' said Munich sports director Christian Nerlinger in the statement.

Coach Jupp Heynckes said: 'Xherdan will strengthen our team with his intelligence and his dribblings. I have watched him for a while and I am convinced that he can become an important player at Bayern.'

Munich decided on getting Shaqiri after Germany midfielder Marco Reus opted to join Bundesliga champions Borussia Dortmund instead of Munich after the season from Borussia Moenchengladbach.

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