FCB sign Mainz centre-back Jan Kirchhoff

Centre-back Jan Kirchhoff will be Bayern’s first new signing for the 2013/14 campaign, after the 22-year-old agreed to join Munich from Bundesliga rivals FSV Mainz on a free transfer this summer. The much sought-after Germany junior international will shortly undergo the obligatory pre-transfer medical in the Bavarian capital, before inking a three-year deal binding him to the nation’s biggest club until June 2016.

“We’re delighted we’ve been able to bring this highly-talented Under-21 international to FC Bayern. I’m personally very pleased he’s chosen to take on the challenge,” commented board director for sport Matthias Sammer from the club’s training camp in Doha.

“I know from experience he’s a very good player,” remarked FCB striker Mario Gomez, who has come up against the towering 1.95 m (6 ft 5 in) defender in Bundesliga clashes. Frankfurt-born Kirchhoff learned the trade in the youth section at local club Eintracht before joining Mainz in summer 2007, and has since made 51 top-flight appearances for FSV. He was a member of the German U-19 championship-winning Mainz team in 2009.