Whitecaps confirm Davies' record $22M move to Bayern Munich

The Vancouver Whitecaps confirmed Wednesday that 17-year-old winger Alphonso Davies will move to Bayern Munich at the end of the MLS season for a fee that could reach $22 million.

It would be the most an MLS side has ever received for a player, topping Jozy Altidore's $10-million transfer to Villarreal in 2008.

The deal includes a fixed transfer fee and "additional compensation," the Whitecaps said.

"As a kid, I always dreamed of a moment like this," Davies said in a statement. "Now that the dream has come true, the work continues as always. I have to keep pushing and keep striving, and also keep being me on the field."

Davies has made a rapid ascent since joining the Whitecaps' developmental system as a 14-year-old. He signed his first professional contract at 15 - becoming the third-youngest player in MLS history to do so - and led all scorers at the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup with Canada.

He also set records as the youngest scorer in the history of the Whitecaps, the CONCACAF Champions League, and Canadian national team.

"This is a landmark transfer for our club, country, and league," Whitecaps co-owner Jeff Mallett said. "Youth development is a core part of our club. We provide player development opportunities across Canada through regional camps, tournaments, our national academy centres, and residency program. We are proud to be developing players for our club and Canadian national teams at all ages.

"Alphonso is an inspirational example of what is possible, and we are excited about how this transfer showcases our commitment to homegrown players for our club and country."

Mallett assured fans of the Whitecaps that "100 percent" of the funds from Davies' transfer would be reinvested in the "sporting side" of the club.

Born in a refugee camp in Ghana, Davies received Canadian citizenship in 2017. He has emerged as the flagbearer of Canadian soccer, even giving a speech at a FIFA assembly in support of North America's bid for the 2026 World Cup.

He is mature beyond his years, showing poise on the ball and relentlessness in attack. He's completed more take-ons than any of his peers in MLS this season, and demonstrated superior dribbling ability on the wing. Davies also has the speed to bamboozle defenders.

He is following a similar path as Owen Hargreaves, who was born in Calgary and joined Bayern Munich as a youth.

Davies turns 18 in November, which is the legal age under FIFA regulations for players to move abroad.