BERLIN, July 11 -- Bayern Munich have strengthened their squad with the signing of Colombia international James Rodriguez from Real Madrid, both clubs confirmed in an official statement on Tuesday.
The German giants brought off a coup after completing the loan transfer of the 25-year-old Colombian midfielder, who agreed on a two-year loan deal until June 2019.
"We are very delighted that we were able to complete this transfer. The signing of James Rodriguez was the great desire of our coach Carlo Ancelotti, after both worked successfully at Real Madrid," Bayern Munich's CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said.
Bayern's loanee caused a stir in 2017 after reaping the goal-getter trophy with six goals at the FIFA World Cup in Brazil. His performances at the tournament ensured Rodriguez a transfer from AS Monaco to Real Madrid where he clinched two UEFA Champions League titles, the FIFA Club World Cup and the Spanish La Liga title in the last three years.
"James is a versatile player. He is dangerous in front of the goal, provides assists and has a strong foot for dead-ball situations. With this transfer we clearly have been able to increase the quality of our squad," Rummenigge told the club's official homepage.
Since his arrival at Real Madrid, Rodriguez made overall 111 competitive appearances to provide 41 assists and 36 goals. The new arrival is already part of Bayern's squad and will travel with the team, as part of the Audi Summer Tour, to China and Singapore.
Bayern Munich will kick off the Bundesliga season 2017-2018 on home soil against Bayer Leverkusen on August 19.