Bavaria bound
January 2, 2011
Bayern Munich are poised to add Brazilian defensive midfielder Luiz Gustavo to their squad in an effort to shore up the club's defense.
The Bavarians hope to sign Gustavo, who is also able to play at center back or left back, from Hoffenheim for a fee reported to be to the tune of 15 million euros ($20 million).
"Provided there is no last-minute hitch, the Brazilian will sign a four-and-a-half year deal keeping him in Munich until 2015," a statement on the Bayern Munich website read on Saturday, January 1. The player was set to undergo a medical on Sunday and to travel with Bayern to a training camp in Qatar.
Gustavo has proved to be a hit in his performances for Hoffenheim since signing from Brazilian club Corinthians-Maceio in 2007.
Mutual split
Following Gustavo's departure for Bayern, Hoffenheim confirmed previous speculation that coach Ralf Rangnick had reached an agreement to part company with the club.
Rangnick last month expressed his opposition to Gustavo’s move to Bayern.
"The departure of Luiz Gustavo during the winter break is out of the question in my eyes," Rangnick said at the time.
Hoffenheim have appointed Rangnick's assistant, Marco Pezzaiuoli, to coach the team.
Champions Bayern are fifth in the Bundesliga, which is currently on a mid-season break, having picked up 29 points from 17 games. Hoffenheim are not far behind, in eighth place on 25 points.
Author: Richard Connor (AFP, dpa, Reuters)
Editor: Toma Tasovac