After rumors spread yesterday about a deal being completed, it was officially announced today that Real Madrid have signed Turkish midfielder Nuri Sahin from German side Borussia Dortmund. The transfer is said to be worth €10 million for Dortmund who were just crowned the Bundesliga champions.
Real Madrid Sign Turkish Midfielder Nuri Sahin
The 22-year old Sahin debuted for Dortmund in 2005 at the age of 16 years and 334 days, setting a record for the youngest player ever to play in a Bundesliga match. On November 25th, 2005 Sahin became the youngest player ever to score a goal in the Bundesliga with his strike against FC Nürnberg. Sahin had been with Dortmund since the age of 12.
Sahin spoke with reporters after the move was announced, reporting that he’d agreed to a six-year contract with Los Blancos.
“The decision was hard to take. I am Borussia and will remain Borussia,” Sahin said. “I will miss the Bundesliga and my homeland. I would like to thank everyone who has accompanied me on this journey until now.”
Sahin expressed that his self-confidence and maturity as a player has prepared him for this high profile transfer to one of the world’s biggest clubs. Many have expressed disappointment that Sahin won’t help guide Dortmund in to the Champions League next season, but with a contract that was set to expire in 2013, it appears Dortmund wanted to sell the young player, rather that risk losing him to a free transfer later.
The is the likely the first of several moves that Real Madrid and Jose Mourinho will make this summer as they look to build upon a season that saw them defeat their rivals Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final, but ultimately fail to supplant them for the league title. Madrid were also eliminated by Barcelona in the Champions League semifinals. Sahin will join a talented midfield that includes the likes of Mesut Özil, Xabi Alonso and Sami Khedra.
The arrival of Sahin puts the future of players like Fernando Gago, Sergio Canales and Pedro Leon in doubt as Jose Mourinho looks to retool his roster to try and lead Madrid to their first La Liga title since the 2007-08 season.
See More:
