Soccer: Davies’ transfer could be worth $22 million

VANCOUVER— Alphonso Davies says his dreams are coming true with a record-setting deal that will see the teenage soccer star join a major European club.

The Vancouver Whitecaps confirmed Tuesday that German soccer giant Bayern Munich has agreed to a transfer deal for the 17-year-old Canadian international midfielder. Bayern said Davies’ contract runs until 2023.

The Whitecaps said in a release the move could amount to more than US$22 million, the most ever received by an MLS club in the league’s 23-year history. The previous record was set in 2008 when Spanish club Villarreal spent US$10 million to acquire striker Jozy Altidore from the New York Red Bulls.

“Now that the dream has come true, the work continues as always,” Davies said in a statement. “I have to keep pushing and keep striving, and also keep being me on the field.”

Known for his speed and his uncanny ability to maintain control of the ball, Davies has eight assists and three goals in league play this season, and is scheduled to play in the MLS all-star game in Atlanta next month.

He will play out the rest of the season in Vancouver and can join Bayern in January.

Bayern Munich has won a record 28 German soccer titles, and has captured the UEFA Champions League five times.

This isn’t the first time Bayern Munich has picked up a Canadian teen. The club acquired Calgary-born Owen Hargreaves in 1997, when he was 16 years old. He played seven seasons with Bayern, plus five more in the English Premier League.