Davies deal could net Caps up to $22M

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 blazing speed and uncanny ability to maintain control of the ball, Davies has worked his way into Vancouver’s starting lineup. He 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’ll play out the rest of the season in Vancouver. He’s eligible to join Bayern when the international transfer window reopens in January.

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

The deal is a landmark for the Whitecaps, the MLS and for Canada, said the team’s co-owner, Jeff Mallett.

Davies has already made his mark on the Canadian men’s team, after being called up to play in July 2017 shortly after he received his Canadian citizenship.

In 1997, Bayern Munich picked up Calgary-born Owen Hargreaves, who was just 16 at the time.