Bayern Munich sign Thiago Alcantara

Berlin, July 15 (IANS) German football giants Bayern Munich have signed Barcelona's Thiago Alcantara until 2017.

The 22-year-old midfielder is set to undergo a medical, after which, he will put pen to paper on a four-year deal with the German record champions, reports Xinhua.

Bayern coach Guardiola expressed his wish during a press conference to sign Alcantara as he already worked with the youngster during his time in Barcelona. Thus, the Bayern bosses complied with Guardiola's request a couple of days later.

"Thiago Alcantara was the most desired candidate of our new coach Pep Guardiola. We are delighted that we were able to complete such a great transfer. He has just been elected as the best player of the Under 21 European Championship. He is a fantastic player with a great perspective, who will strengthen Bayern," chairman Karl Heinz Rummenigge said in a press release on Sunday.

The Bavarians agreed on a transfer fee of 25 million euros with Barcelona to reunite Alcantara and Guardiola for four years.

The Spanish international midfielder played for almost for all national youth teams. Besides that, he was appointed into the first team in November 2011, where he made three caps. He created an international stir when he scored a hat rick at the UEFA Under 21 European Championship final 2013 against Italy to smooth the way for the trophy.