The moves behind Benfica’s loan of Tiago Dantas to Bayern Munich

The furor around the late loan assignment of Tiago Dantas from Benfica to Bayern Munich had much of the Bavarian fan base buzzing upon its announcement. The move itself, came at an odd time and certainly was unexpected, but a report by A Bola (as captured by Sport Bild) detailed how Dantas approached Benfica president Luis Filipe Vieira to ask for permission to leave.

The youngster respectfully wrote to the club’s president and asked permission to pursue “a unique opportunity.”

“Good afternoon, president. The opportunity has be loaned to FC Bayern has arisen,” Dantas reportedly wrote. “They have already submitted an offer and I would like to ask you to let me go. The (Benfica B) coach (Renato Paiva) has given me little consideration and I never questioned his decisions. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I have asked him to let me go.”

At that point of the season, Dantas had started one of five games and appeared as a substitute four other times. In those appearances, Dantas had three assists.

After the move was finalized, Dantas wrote Vieira again to thank him. Dantas told Vieira that he appreciated his leadership and that he allowed Dantas to take advantage of this opportunity at a time when he had not played much, and he also thanked him for his humility. Dantas also stated that he could “count on such a president.”

For his part, Vieira also confirmed the rumored €8 million purchase option that exists within the loan deal to the Portuguese media.

Bayern Munich sporting director Hasan “Brazzo” Salihamidžić indicated that club had its eyes on Dantas for quite a while.

“Tiago is a really good soccer player whom we have been watching for two and a half years now,” said Salihamidžić. “Let him surprise you. First of all, he’ll play for our U-23 team and he has to improve athletically and physically. But like everyone from the U-23, Tiago can also recommend himself for the professional squad through good training performances and also good games in the 3rd league.”

Because his move came after the transfer window ended in Germany, the young-looking 19-year-old will only be able to player for Bayern Munich II in 3.Liga until 2021.