Bayern Munich have announced the signing of Corentin Tolisso from French giants Lyon on a five-year deal that runs until 2020.
Tolisso has emerged as one of the most exciting midfielders in France in the last few years and is now on the periphery of Didier Deschamps’ national team squad after making his France debut against Spain back in March.
Lyon have announced Bayern have paid an initial €41.5m (£36.5m) for Tolisso with a further €6m (£5.3m) due from performance based add-ons. It means Bayern have made the Frenchman the most expensive player in the club's history after surpassing the €40m (£32.6m) they paid Athletic Club €40m for Javi Martinez in 2012.
“I had a wonderful time with Olympique Lyon, for whom I am very grateful,” Tolisso told the Bayern’s official website. “Now I’m looking forward to playing at one of the best clubs in Europe. I have set myself high goals with FC Bayern. Today is a great day for me.”
Tolisso’s arrival will only raise serious questions about the future of Renato Sanches, who only joined the club from Benfica last summer in an initial £27.5m deal.
The 19-year-old was named the Goldenboy for 2016 after playing an integral part in Portugal’s Euro 2016 triumph but he failed to make an impression at Bayern last season and will almost certainly leave the club after just 12 months.
No Lyon player averaged more passes per game in Ligue 1 last season than Tolisso (65.4), while the No.8 also weighed in with eight goals and five assists in 31 league appearances.
For more stats on Corentin Tolisso, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
