Bundesliga giant shells out $53m to lure mercurial Tolisso from Lyon
LYON — France midfielder Corentin Tolisso has moved to Bayern Munich from Lyon for a record transfer fee that could reach $53.5 million, the Bundesliga champion announced on Wednesday.
The 22-year-old signed a five-year deal with Bayern to bring an end to his 10-year association with Lyon.
Before bonuses Bayern paid $51 million, making Tolisso the most expensive player to be signed by a Bundesliga club, breaking the previous record set when Javi Martinez joined Bayern from Athletic Bilbao in 2012.
It is also Lyon’s most expensive sale, ahead of Michael Essien’s departure to Chelsea for $42 million in 2005.
Tolisso, who made his senior international debut against Spain in March, was contracted to stay at Parc OL until 2020.
He impressed in the recent French season by scoring 14 goals in all competitions, a career-best tally.
“I had a wonderful time at Lyon, and I’m very thankful for that,” Tolisso said in a statement released by his new club.
“Now I’m really pleased to be at one of the best clubs in Europe. I have great aims for my time at FC Bayern. Today is a great day for me.”
Tolisso is Bayern coach Carlo Ancelotti’s most expensive signing of the offseason so far after the arrival of defender Niklas Suele from Hoffenheim for $25 million and the permanent transfer of Tolisso’s compatriot Kingsley Coman from Juventus for $27 million.
The five-time European champion also paid Werder Bremen $13 million for former Arsenal winger Serge Gnabry.
After the retirement of Spaniard Xabi Alonso, there is a free slot in the Bayern midfield.
“We’re really pleased we’ve been able to sign such a young and interesting player ahead of stiff competition from abroad. Corentin Tolisso was Carlo Ancelotti’s wish for our midfield,” said Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.
Tolisso will be sorely missed by Lyon, which finished fourth in Ligue 1 to miss out on a place in the Champions League.
“Corentin is an exceptional player and without doubt one of the best European midfielders, but also a man with great personality,” said Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas.
“It’s a big and emotional loss for OL, but we are also proud to see one of the players trained in our academy join one of the best clubs in Europe.”
Lindelof finalized
Meanwhile, Manchester United on Wednesday completed the signing of Swedish international centerback Victor Lindelof from Benfica for a fee believed to be $39.6 million, the English Premier League side announced.
“I am thrilled to be joining Manchester United,” the 22-year-old said after penning a four-year deal.
“I have enjoyed my time at Benfica enormously and I have learned a lot there. But I’m looking forward to playing in the Premier League at Old Trafford and for Jose Mourinho.”
Lindelof joined Benfica from hometown club Vasteras SK in 2012 and won three Por- tuguese league titles and two Portuguese Cups during his time in Lisbon.
Lindelof is the second centerback signed by United manager Mourinho following last year’s capture of Cote d’Ivoire international Eric Bailly from Villarreal.
Mourinho also has England pair Chris Smalling and Phil Jones at his disposal, along with Argentina international Marcos Rojo, while Dutch utility man Daley Blind has slotted into central defense on occasion.
“Victor is a very talented young player, who has a great future ahead of him at United,” Mourinho said.
“Last year showed us that we need options and quality to add depth to the squad, and Victor is the first to join us this summer. I know that our fantastic group of players will welcome him as one of us.”
Lindelof, United’s first new signing of the summer as it builds towards a Champions League campaign next season, said he was ready to fight for his place in the lineup.
“Of course there are some great players here in my position,” said the Swede.
“I’m here to do my best to try to help the team as much as I can and it’s always good to have other good players around you. When you have that, you get better as well.
“I think every move means you have to adapt to a new environment, but I feel comfortable in myself. It’s going to be tough, but I’m looking forward to it.”
United is also in the market for a striker, having included Zlatan Ibrahimovic, currently sidelined by a serious knee injury, on its list of players to be released.