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Rode Signs Four-Year Deal with Bayern
A long awaited announcement has finally come; Sebastian Rode will transfer to Bayern Munich in the summer.
The 23-year-old midfielder, who signed with Eintracht Frankfurt in 2010, signed a contract until 2018 to move to the German Champions.
"I am delighted the transfer has gone through," said Rode in Bayern's press release. "FC Bayern is the next big step for me. I want to continue developing as a player in Munich and win lots of trophies with my future team-mates."
Rode's injury cast a cloud over the negotiation, a move rumored to come about in January. Nonetheless, the man critical to Eintracht Frankfurt's ascendance from relegation to the Europa League is headed south to Munich.
“Sebastian Rode is an excellent professional, embodying the highest levels of professionalism and dynamism,” said sport directer Matthias Sammer. “I’m certain he’ll bring momentum and flair to our team as we tackle our future challenges.”
Heribert Bruchhagen said a few months ago that Eintracht Frankfurt would be open to a loan move should Rode not fit into Bayern's plans right away, but he also mentioned that the search for his replacement is already underway.
Kölnische Rundschau: Van Buyten to Sign with 1. FC Köln
Daniel van Buyten is reportedly on his way up north, having reached a one year deal with an option year with 1. FC Köln, according to Kölnische Rundschau.
Van Buyten has fallen out of favor at Bayern, relegated to what appears to be the fourth option behind Dante, Jerome Boateng, and Javi Martinez. The 36-year-old was a crucial cog in defense for Jupp Heynckes's treble-winning team, but the playing time is less abundant under Pep Guardiola.
1. FC Köln are currently at the top of the 2. Bundesliga table, just four points away from unconditionally sealing promotion. Van Buyten would provide a giant level of experience to a side that will be fighting to stay in the German top-flight.
Braunschweig without Kumbela
When Eintracht Braunschweig attempt to ward off the German Champions and relegation on their home turf, they will have to do so without their top goalscorer, Dominick Kumbela.
The Congolese striker suffered a muscle tear in his left adductor in Braunschweig's 0-2 loss to SC Freiburg. The club has officially ruled him out for Saturday's game against Bayern.
Torsten Lieberknecht will have to find a different partner for Håvard Nielsen, although the Braunschweig manager is no stranger to playing the lone striker. Braunschweig have averaged just less than a goal per match in the Bundesliga (28 goals in 30 matches), and relegation is inevitable having spent 27 of the 30 matchdays in the bedrock of the table.
MLS All-Star Game tickets On Sale
Monday marks the day that MLS All-Star Game tickets go on sale. The summer classic at Providence Park will have seats available for purchase at 1:00 EDT/10:00 PDT. Be sure to check out the seating pricing before you go to the ticket page, and make sure you are the early bird, not the one fighting with the pigeon over the worm.