New Bayern Munich signing Arjen Robben could make his debut in tomorrow’s Bundesliga clash with Wolfsburg after completing a €25 million move from Real Madrid today.
The Dutch winger was given the number 10 shirt last worn at Bayern by his compatriot Roy Makaay after he passed a medical and signed a four-year contract in Munich.
The two clubs have agreed an undisclosed fee for the 25-year-old who could figure in Louis van Gaal’s side immediately.
Robben was Van Gaal’s number one transfer target this summer and his arrival should spark the Bavarians into action after a lacklustre start to the season.
A 2-1 defeat to Mainz last weekend ensured the worst start to a Bundesliga campaign in 43 years with just two points obtained from the first three matches, but that should now change, according to Van Gaal.
“I am very happy to have another creative player,” said the Bayern coach. “He is an explosive player.”
Since Van Gaal has been tracking his compatriot all summer, he knows exactly where he will fit in his jigsaw, although he will not be restricted to the right-wing berth for which he has been earmarked with Franck Ribery on the left.
“I don’t think we are restricted to only a 4-3-3 system. With Robben and Ribery, we can play different systems. We just need time in training to get the right blend.”
Robben’s chances of being a regular in Real’s star-studded side appeared to have reduced when Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka were both signed this summer, but the former Chelsea winger still seemed keen on giving it a go.
That was until Bayern firmed up their interest and offered him the opportunity to play on a more regular basis.
“Everything went so quickly,” he revealed. “There were a few things that I had to consider and in the end I decided that I would like to transfer to a big club like FC Bayern.”
Madrid have also accepted an offer from Inter Milan for midfielder Wesley Sneijder.
Media reports in Spain yesterday claimed a deal worth €15 million had been struck between the two clubs for the Holland international, and Madrid have now confirmed on their website that an agreement is in place.
The 25-year-old Sneijder joined Madrid in 2007 after five years with Ajax, and in his first season in Spain helped his new club win the Primera Division title.
