Manchester United lose out as Schweinsteiger signs 5 year deal with Bayern
Bayern Munich have foiled Manchester Uniteds’ attempts to capture Germany international Bastian Schweinsteiger. The midfielder announced he has signed a new five year contract with the German giants. Schweinsteiger impressed at the FIFA world cup held in
South Africa this year and was being closely observed by some of the biggest clubs in Europe including Chelsea and Real Madrid. On Saturday, it was revealed that United officials were in Munich to bring the 26-year-old to Old Trafford on a 5 year contract
worth 18 million pounds. The Germans’ contract with Bayern was to expire in June 2012. However, Bayern effectively put an end to the negotiations by extending his contract till 2016.
The deal was announced after Bayerns’ 3-0 victory over St Pauli in the Bundesliga. After the match, Schweinsteiger gave the news to home fans through the Allianz Arena microphone, saying, "I have extended my contract and will stay at FC Bayern until 2016.
Long live Bayern."
The 26-year-old has spent his entire career at Bayern and recently hinted at a move away from Germany. The Germany midfielder was expected to leave the Bundesliga after failing to agree terms to extend his Bayern Munich contract. The midfielder revealed
that his brother constantly asks him to consider a move to United. International team-mate Sami Khedira recently suggested the Bayern Munich star was looking to join him at Real Madrid.
However, this new arrangement with Bayern could mean that Schweinsteiger ends his career with the German club. The news will be a huge blow for Sir Alex Ferguson, who identified Bastian Schweinsteiger as his number one transfer target. Paul Scholes is now
nearing retirement and Schweinsteiger was considered to be the perfect long-term replacement for Uniteds’ midfield maestro. It looks like Sir Alex will have to look elsewhere to fill in for Scholes when the player does eventually decide to hang up his boots
for good. Schweinsteiger now joins defender Philipp Lahm, midfielder Franck Ribery and forward Thomas Mueller in the list of stars who have recently signed new deals with the club.
Tags: