Munich: Champions League semi-finalists Borussia Dortmund confirmed on Tuesday that Germany star Mario Goetze will join Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich next season, in a deal reported to be worth 37 million euros ($48.2 million, £32 million).
The talented 20-year-old attacking midfielder was under contract at Dortmund until 2016 but a release clause allows him to leave for 37 million euros, according to German daily Bild.
Dortmund confirmed that Goetze's agent, Volker Struth, had recently informed them that Goetze would be using the clause and will move to Bayern on July 1 -- the first day ex-Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola takes charge as Munich coach.
The deal would make him the biggest transfer deal within Germany, passing the previous highest mark of 35 million euros which Bayern paid VfB Stuttgart for Mario Gomez in 2009.
The 40 million euros Bayern paid Athletic Bilbao last year for Javi Martinez is the Bundesliga's current record transfer.
According to Ruhr Valley newspaper, Ruhr Nachrichten, Goetze will be paid 12 million euros a year at Bayern.
Goetze is the first addition to Bayern's squad for next season, while Barcelona, Manchester City and Arsenal had all reportedly been interested in the young German.
"We are of course exceedingly disappointed but must stress that both Mario and his advisers have behaved with absolutely conformity within the contract," said Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke.
The timing of the deal does little to help Dortmund, who host Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final, first leg on Wednesday, but will boost Bayern, who are home to Barcelona on Tuesday in the other last-four clash.
Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp and director of sport Michael Zorc have asked Borussia fans to support Goetze in his last four league games for the club he joined as an eight-year-old in 2001 and especially in the Champions League tie.
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