Boateng, Usami reveal Bayern delight

Bayern Munich have unveiled two new signings for the 2011/12 Bundesliga season.

The 22-time German champions finished a disappointing third last campaign, spelling the end for manager Louis van Gaal in April.

Replacement Jupp Heynckes – in his third spell as manager of the Bavarian club – has wasted little time in strengthening the squad for the coming season.

Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, promising striker Nils Petersen and full-back Rafinha both joined soon after the 2010/11 season was completed, with Jerome Boateng and Takashi Usami following them.

Defender Boateng finally completed his move on Thursday after strained negotiations between Bayern and English Premier League club Manchester City.

Media reports suggested City had stalled the deal as they looked to regain some of the 10 million pounds they paid for to land him from Hamburg in June 2010.

The Germany international flew to Bavaria from Canada to complete the deal, where he had been on a pre-season tour with Roberto Mancini’s side.

“I am very pleased,” Boateng said in his first press conference as a Bayern player.

“I said early on that I wanted to transfer to Bayern Munich but I had to be patient. I am happy that the club tried all they could to get me and that it worked out well in the end. Now I want to win things with Bayern.”

“I am now a Bayern Munich player – it’s the greatest club in Germany. We want to win titles and that must be the goal over the coming years. We have a good squad and we can achieve a lot.”

Bayern had less trouble in securing the services of teenage striker Takashi Usami, who joins the club on a season-long loan from J-League outfit Gamba Osaka.

“I grew up at my old club, so it was sad to say goodbye but the reaction from the fans was positive,” the 19-year-old said.

“Moving to Bayern is a dream, because it is a great club with great players. That’s why I’m really looking forward to playing here.”

Bayern have the option of making the move permanent should the Japan Under-22 representative impress at the Allianz Arena this season.