Sport Bild confirms that Bayern Munich are close to signing Gambian midfielder Bara Sapoko Ndiaye on a permanent basis. Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund divulged the information whilst speaking to reporters on the sidelines of Bayern’s first pre-season friendly, a 2-1 away loss to SV Wehen Wiesbaden.
Few knew what to make of the totally unknown Ndiaye when his shock signing was announced during the January transfer window. Out of nowhere, the 18-year-old joined the German giants on a loan deal from the Gambino Stars academy. Initially assumed to be an attacker, Ndiaye actually ended up playing in deep midfield.
After making four substitute appearances for the German record champions, Ndiaye saw his estimated market value rise from €300,000 to €4m over the course of the last seven months. It has long been common knowledge that the Bavarians wished to sign the teenage talent permanently this summer.
Freund’s statement on Bara Sapoko Ndiaye
“The final details still need to be worked out, but I expect him to start the season with us,” Freund told reporters. “Bara will take the [pre-season] fitness tests next Monday [at the Säbener Straße] and then join us at the training camp at Lake Tegernsee.”
