Van Bommel bound for Bayern

Bundesliga champions FC Bayern München have signed Dutch international midfielder Mark van Bommel from FC Barcelona for a fee of around €6m.

Successful medical
The 29-year-old has agreed a three-year contract with the Munich club after passing a medical in Germany today. He will link up with Netherlands team-mate Roy Makaay at the Fuβball Arena München. "It is the best thing for my career," said Van Bommel. "I have to think about my future."

Final appearance
Van Bommel left Dutch title-holders PSV Eindhoven to join Barça last summer but failed to secure a regular place as the Catalan side won the Primera División and the UEFA Champions League. He made one of his nine appearances in the latter competition in the final victory against Arsenal FC.

'The right man'
Dutch Footballer of the Year in 2001 and 2005, Van Bommel is expected to fill the gap in the Bayern midfield left by Michael Ballack's move to Chelsea FC. "At PSV, Van Bommel demonstrated unbelievable qualities as a leader," said Bayern general manaber Uli Hoeness. "We have found the right man. He can hold the ball and play the crucial pass. He can score and he is good in the air."