Official: Bayern Munich sign Marc Roca from Espanyol (Kit number + contract details)

It’s official — Bayern Munich have signed Espanyol midfielder Marc Roca. The player has signed a five year contract, and will wear the #22 at the club. His arrival softens the blow of losing Thiago Alcantara, who moved to Liverpool earlier in the summer.

Here’s confirmation of the transfer via the club’s social media:

The fee is rumored to be 9m euros, plus variables. Bayern tried to sign Roca last summer, but the deal fell through due to Espanyol’s high transfer demands. Since then, the Barcelona-based club got relegated, which allowed the Bavarians to snatch up the youngster on a cut-price deal. Roca was a part of the Spanish U-21 squad that won the Euros in 2021 — he gives Hansi Flick more options for depth in defensive midfield, especially as an alternative to Joshua Kimmch.

Sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic was full of praise for the youngster. “We are very happy to have signed Marc Roca”, he said. “In terms of football and character, he fits perfectly in our team and will continue to develop with us. We are sure that he will add a great value to our team.”

Bayern face Hertha Berlin tonight, but Roca’s transfer comes too late for him to make the squad. The coming international break will give him a chance to integrate with the squad before games begin again. Let’s hope Flick molds him into a great player.

Servus, Marc!