Bayern Munich have announced the loan signing of FC Dallas defender Chris Richards until the end of 2018.
The 18-year-old, who models his style of play on FCB star Jerome Boateng, will hook up with the Bavarians' Under-19 side, coached by Sebastian Hoeness.
Having completed a 10-day trial with the Bundesliga club, the Alabama native turned heads with his performances and the Germans are happy to have their newest recruit on board.
“Chris made a very good impression during his trial in Munich, so we’ve decided to bring him here and give him a chance to play for our U19s,” Campus director Jochen Sauer said.
“We have a lot of confidence in him.”
Bayern formed a strategic partnership with Dallas around five months ago, and the pair feel that that union is already beginning to bear fruit.
“We’re very happy to announce this so early into our partnership with Dallas,” said Rudolf Vidal, Bayern's President of the Americas.
“FC Dallas is one of the leading MLS clubs in terms of the promotion of talent. With this partnership, FC Bayern aims to help support the growth of soccer in the US.”
Dallas president Dan Hunt was similarly happy with the deal.
💬@EastMamba: "I try to play, I think, like @JB17Official. That's my favorite player." 🙌🔴⚪
— FC Bayern US (@FCBayernUS) July 9, 2018
➡️ https://t.co/qToMzQHUR5 pic.twitter.com/1SDAvq2Fcv
“This is a perfect opportunity for Chris,” Hunt said. “He will have the chance to train with the best players in the world and develop skills which will make him a solid contributor to our first team.”
For Richards' part, the young stopper is eager to hit the ground running in his new surroundings.
“I'm really looking forward to this great adventure and continuing to develop myself at FC Bayern.
“This is an incredible club with an amazing history and I’m excited to experience it as an FC Bayern player.”
