Bayern Munich on Tuesday signed fierce rivals Borussia Dortmund captain Mats Hummels in a five-year contract in their first big signing that will boost their defence next football season.
The 2014 World Cup winner with Germany started his career at Bayern, playing one Bundesliga match in 2007, before moving to eight-time German champions Dortmund. He has long been linked to return to Munich.
"We are delighted that Mats Hummels has opted for Bayern," Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said in a statement.
"Mats is one of the best central defender in the world. With him, we can increase the quality of our team again."
The 27-year-old's final appearance for Dortmund will be against Bayern in the German Cup final on May 21.
Carlo Ancelotti, who will take over the reins from Pep Guardiola at the end of the season, has boosted his defensive ranks with Hummels' signing.
Even though both Bayern and Dortmund didn't reveal the transfer amount, Hummels has reportedly cost the former around 30 million pound ($43.2 million).
Borussia Dortmund's CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke said: "Mats Hummels has decided after long, intense reflections to return to his native Munich eight and a half years after his move to BVB. I want to emphasize that he has at any time behaved openly and fairly towards us.
"Mats won two German championships with the BVB and the Double in 2012, he has moved in with us in 2013 to the final of the Champions League and as Dortmund in 2014 won the World Cup," he added.
Hummels said "I have not made my decision after eight and a half successful years at BVB easily. I was always proud and still am, to wear the BVB jersey and to be part of this exceptional team.
"I wholeheartedly thank my teammates, all the staff and fans for this long and wonderful time in Black Yellow."
Bayern also announced the signing of Benfica's 18-year-old Portuguese midfielder Renato Sanches.
"DONE DEAL! 18-year-old Renato #Sanches will join from Benfica this summer. Welcome to #FCBayern!," Bayern wrote on Twitter.
Bayern deputy chairman Jan-Christian Dreesen commented: "The transfer fee for the current international is 35 million euro (around $39.7 million), plus possible bonus payments that could become due if for example the player is named in the World Team of the Year or FIFA World Player of the Year."
Bayern this year sealed their fourth consecutive Bundesliga title. But they have failed to win Europe's top title, the Champions League, in the last three years.
--IANS
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