$22M dream for BC star

Photo: Bayern Munich

Alphonso Davies says his dreams are coming true with a record-setting deal that will see the teenage soccer star join a major European club.

The Vancouver Whitecaps confirmed Wednesday that German soccer giant Bayern Munich has agreed to a transfer deal for the 17-year-old Canadian international midfielder. Bayern said Davies' contract runs until 2023.

The Whitecaps said in a release the move could amount to more than US$22 million, the most ever received by an MLS club in the league's 23-year history. The previous record was set in 2008 when Spanish club Villarreal spent US$10 million to acquire striker Jozy Altidore from the New York Red Bulls.

"Now that the dream has come true, the work continues as always," Davies, who was in Philadelphia to sign the deal before Bayern played a friendly against Juventus on Wednesday night, said in a statement.

"I have to keep pushing and keep striving, and also keep being me on the field."

Known for his blazing speed and uncanny ability to maintain control of the ball, Davies has worked his way up to Vancouver's starting lineup. He has eight assists and three goals in league play this season, and is scheduled to play in the MLS all-star game in Atlanta next month.

He'll play out the rest of the season in Vancouver. He's eligible to join Bayern when the international transfer window re-opens in January 2019.

Bayern Munich has won a record 28 German soccer titles, and has captured the UEFA Champions League five times.

The club's sporting director, Hasan Salihamidzic, posted about his newest player on Twitter, calling Davies a "huge talent."

"At just 17, he has a bright future ahead of him. Alphonso is very talented and it comes as no surprise that many other top clubs were after him," Salihamidzic said.

Davies — affectionately known by his teammates and Whitecaps staff as Fonzie — joined the Whitecaps residency program in 2015. Because he's a "homegrown player," the team will keep the entire transfer fee.

The deal is a landmark for the Whitecaps, the MLS and Canada, said the team's co-owner, Jeff Mallett.

"Alphonso is an inspirational example of what is possible, and we are excited about how this transfer showcases our commitment to homegrown players for our club and country," he said in a statement, adding that the ownership group is "committed to investing 100 per cent of the funds back into the sporting side of the club."