OFFICIAL: Bayern Munich signs Real Salt Lake academy product Taylor Booth [Updated]

According to a report by Sports Illustrated’s Grant Wahl, Bayern Munich has once again hit the North American market to sign Real Salt Lake academy player Taylor Booth.

Booth, a 17-year-old central midfielder, follows in the footsteps of former Vancouver Whitecaps player Alphonso Davies and FC Dallas product Chris Richards as recent North American talent that Bayern has procured.

It’s official: Taylor Booth, the 17-year-old U.S. Under-18 national team midfielder who has been part of Real Salt Lake’s academy, has signed with Bayern Munich, SI.com has learned. Booth has acquired a European passport that will allow him to make the move before he turns 18, a source with knowledge of the situation said.

Booth’s ability to secure a European passport will expedite his availability to Bayern. Instead of having to wait until he is 18, Booth can join the Bavarians and get started on working toward a career in the Bundesliga.

The tweet below from January 6th was a hint that Booth might be in the process of working to secure his European credentials.

Bayern’s interest in Booth stems back to one year ago, but things started to really progress over the course of the last month for Bayern as it worked on a deal with the American.

UPDATE: Bayern makes an official announcement [10:38 AM EST]

Bayern confirmed the signing with an official announcement. Bayern campus manager Jochen Sauer had this to say regarding Booth:

We have been watching Taylor for some time and have been able to convince ourselves of his special abilities in trial training. We are very pleased that he will be playing for us in the future and that we were able to obtain the next US talent for ourselves.

Booth is equally excited:

I’m just overjoyed that this transfer has gone through. Bayern is one of the biggest clubs in the world. Being here in Munich on the FC Bayern campus and taking the next steps in my development makes me very proud.