Bayern Munich have addressed their defensive woes with the €30m signing of French right-back Sacha Boey from Galatasaray, inking him to a four-and-a-half-year deal.
The transfer fee is a huge return on interest for Galatasaray who paid just €1.15m to sign him from Rennes in 2021.
The 23-year-old arrives in Bavaria as the second January arrival after Eric Dier, tasked with plugging the gaps left by injuries and international call-ups.
Boey, sporting the number 23 shirt, steps into a backline missing Kimmich, Laimer, Mazraoui, Upamecano, and Sarrand.
“This is a dream come true for me. It’s an honour for me to get to play for such a big club like Bayern. I’m really looking forward to my new team and getting to play with all these great players in the future. As a player, I’m a defender who likes to attack, just as happy being involved up front as in defence,” Boey told the official Bayern website.
Galatasaray also released a statement revealing that the transfer fee could rise to €35m depending on bonus’ and thanks Boey for his services to the club.
Boey’s journey began in Rennes’ youth ranks, but 12 appearances were all he managed before a permanent move to Galatasaray in 2021.
In Turkey, he found his stride, contributing four goals and four assists in 83 games, including key plays in their 2022-23 title run.
Champions League experience is no stranger to him either, scoring against Copenhagen and facing Bayern twice – performances that undoubtedly caught the German giant’s eye.
While Manchester United and Arsenal were rumored suitors, Bayern secured the deal, much to the delight of CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen: “We’re pleased to have signed a young player with a lot of potential on a long-term deal in Sacha Boey.”
Boey could debut as early as next weekend when Bayern host Borussia Monchengladbach, aiming to close the two-point gap to league leaders Bayer Leverkusen.
The French defender’s arrival injects much-needed depth and dynamism into Bayern’s backline, potentially propelling them back to the top of the table.