Bayern Munich announce departure of midfielder to Schalke

Bayern Munich have announced the sale of Sebastian Rudy to Bundesliga rivals Schalke.

Rudy only signed for Bayern 12 months ago but struggled for regular playing time at the Allianz Arena.

Bayern added further competition for places in midfield with the arrival of Leon Goretzka from Schalke at the start of the summer to move Rudy further down the pecking order.

The 28-year-old has been heavily linked with a move away from Bayern all summer and has now secured a move to Schalke with just days remaining in the transfer window.

“Sebastian Rudy leaves Bayern Munich to join Schalke with immediate effect,” a statement read on Bayern’s official website. “The Germany international signed a four-year deal in Gelsenkirchen on Monday evening.”

Rudy’s is the most expensive signing Schalke have made this summer and pushes their outlay beyond the £50m mark.

The Germany international made 25 appearances in the Bundesliga last season but only 16 of those were starts.

Despite lacking the continuity on the pitch, Rudy still weighed in with four assists for Bayern and will hope to get regular playing time at his new club.