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Having started out at Bayern Munich's academy, graduated to the Bayern Munich first-team, joined Borussia Dortmund on loan, joined Borussia Dortmund permanently, then joined Bayern Munich again, Mats Hummels' next move probably wasn't that much of a surprise.

But things seemingly could have been different.

The German international re-signed for Dortmund earlier this week , rejoining a club he has already represented 309 times as he also became a mainstay in the German national team, winning the World Cup in 2014.

Hummels joins an impressive list of new recruits at Dortmund, who have also signed Julian Brandt, Thorgan Hazard and Hoffenheim defender Nico Schulz this summer.

(Image: LUKAS BARTH-TUTTAS/EPA-EFE/REX)

The 30-year-old is believed to have cost around £33.8million, and will be a crucial factor as Dortmund bid to impress in both the Bundesliga and the Champions League in 2019/20.

And the fact that the Black and Yellows will be playing in Europe's premier club competition was seemingly crucial in his decision to rejoin the club, because according to Bild he had a clear other option.

They claim that Hummels was offered more money to join Manchester United , but turned then down because they won't be playing in the Champions League next season.

(Image: REUTERS)

United's apparent approach is in line with their recent transfer policy of signing superstars on massive money and long contracts, although with the futures of the likes of Romelu Lukaku, Alexis Sanchez and Paul Pogba all up in the air this summer it is something of a surprise that they seemed to be willing to repeat this process.

The Red Devils will play in the Europa League in the upcoming season, which will be Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's first full campaign as first-team boss following his appointment last season.

The club's only signing this summer to date is the Welsh winger Daniel James from Swansea.