Bayern Munich have announced that they have officially signed Mats Hummels from Borussia Dortmund via a statement released on their website. The move has been public knowledge for the last few weeks, with both clubs and the player confirming the move, but the official signing ceremony and announcement were only released by Bayern today.
Hummels has signed a 5-year contract until 30th June 2021, with Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge welcoming him, saying “We are pleased to welcome Mats back at Bayern. We use it to enrich our team with not only a defender of world-class quality, but also a player who is not afraid of responsibility and, moreover, comes from our academy.”
Hummels joined Bayern’s ranks aged 6 in 1995, before rising through the ranks, but ultimately leaving the Bavarians for Dortmund in 2008 due to a lack of first-team opportunities.
Speaking about re-joining Bayern, Hummels revealed his excitement, saying “The departure from Dortmund is difficult for me, of course. In 2008, I felt similarly when I made the move in the other direction. Now I'm just happy that everything awaits me at Bayern. I am very excited.”
Hummels pained to leave Dortmund
Hummels joins soon after having played against Bayern Munich for Borussia Dortmund in the DFB Pokal final, which the Schwarzgelben lost out to Bayern on penalties. Hummels noted his hope that joining Bayern is the right move, saying “It's my last game. I've been able to celebrate a lot of success with the team and the fans in the last few years. I hope I've made the right decision – we'll see in the next few years.”
Hummels leaves with Dortmund’s blessing, with club CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke saying “We respect Mats' decision and wish for him and the BVB that he in Black Yellow earns the recognition during his last weeks that he deserves and leaves Dortmund with the DFB Cup in his hands.”
However, Hummels left on a sour note, with Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel substituting the German during the game and minced no words when he felt that Hummels could have ‘played better’ in the DFB Pokal final against Bayern Munich.
