FC Bayern München have secured the services of one of football’s most sought-after young talents after reaching an agreement with Vancouver Whitecaps and Major League Soccer (MLS) to sign 17-year-old Alphonso Davies. The Ghana-born Canadian, who turns 18 on 2 November, will officially join the German record champions’ first-team squad from 1 January 2019. His contract runs until 30 June 2023.

Davies already has eight senior Canada caps to his name and currently plays for Vancouver Whitecaps, who are ninth in the MLS Western Conference. The pacey and skilful attacker completed his medical on Wednesday in Philadelphia after talks had concluded.

“Alphonso Davies is a very big talent,” declared Bayern Sporting Director Hasan Salihamidzic. “At the age of 17, he offers a lot of promise for the future. Alphonso already possesses great ability, which is why a lot of top clubs were keen on him. I’m delighted he’s chosen FC Bayern. I want to thank everyone who worked on this transfer, especially our scouting and legal departments. It was outstanding teamwork.”

Alphonso Davies said: “I’m very happy about my transfer to FC Bayern. As a kid I always dreamed about this moment and now the dream has come true. But now the hard work continues, I have to give everything to make the most of this opportunity.”