Bayern Munich have confirmed the signing of Leon Goretzka from fellow Bundesliga side Schalke, meaning Liverpool have missed out on the youngster.
The Germany international’s current deal with Schalke runs until the end of the season, after which he’ll pen a four year deal with the Bundesliga champions.
Goretzka had been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League in recent months, with Liverpool the frontrunners for his signature.
However, the Reds will now have to look elsewhere to bolster their midfield after Bayern announced his capture.
“FC Bayern München have signed FC Schalke 04 player Leon Goretzka. The 22-year-old Germany international, whose contract with Schalke expires on 30 June 2018, has signed a four-year contract from 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2022,” a statement read on Bayern’s official website.
“Leon Goretzka completed the obligatory medical in Munich on Thursday before putting his name to the contract with FC Bayern.”
Bayern Munich AG chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge added: "We're very pleased Leon Goretzka, a Germany international with great potential, has decided in favour of FC Bayern despite renowned international competitors. This way Leon Goretzka remains in the Bundesliga.”
Goretzka has made 11 league appearances for Schalke this season, scoring four goals to return a WhoScored rating of 7.25.
more evidence towards the German league being the most boring in the world