Mehdi Benatia Completes €30 Million Move from Roma to Bayern Munich
Moroccan defender Mehdi Benatia has officially left AS Roma, sealing his long-awaited transfer to German giants Bayern Munich. The 27-year-old centre-back, who had expressed his desire to leave Italy for several weeks, has signed a five-year contract with the Bundesliga club.
Benatia was a key figure in Rudi Garcia’s Roma side last season, but the opportunity to join one of Europe’s top clubs proved irresistible. Having developed through the ranks at Olympique de Marseille and made his name at Clermont and Udinese, Benatia now faces a new challenge in Germany.
Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola welcomed the signing, which comes as a timely response to Javi Martinez’s recent injury that will sideline the Spanish midfielder for at least six months following the German Super Cup. Benatia is expected to strengthen Bayern’s defence as the club pursues success on all fronts.
Roma, meanwhile, has already moved to replace the Moroccan international. Greek defender Kostas Manolas, who arrived in Italy earlier this week, is set to be officially unveiled as Benatia’s successor in the coming hours.
