Omar Richards: Bayern Munich to sign England U21 international from Reading

(Getty Images)" />

England Under-21 international Omar Richards will join Bayern Munich when his Reading contract expires this summer in a “dream” move for the defender.

Richards, 23, has made over 100 appearances in all competitions for Reading since the start of the 2017 campaign, and 41 of those have come in the Championship this season.

But the left-back, who came through the Royals’ academy, has opted for a fresh start in Germany and has agreed a deal that runs until 2025 with Bayern, who have handed their incoming recruit the number three shirt previously worn by Xabi Alonso.

"My move to FC Bayern is a great honour for me, a dream come true," said Richards, who made his only appearance for England U21s as a substitute in October 2019 in a 2-2 draw in Slovenia.

"I'm proud to be wearing the shirt of one of the world's biggest clubs. I hope I can help the team continue to be successful in the future.

"My thanks to the management at FC Bayern for their trust. Our conversations were very convincing. I can't wait to be on the pitch for Bayern."

Reading say they offered Richards a new contract but he ultimately decided to head to the six-time European Cup champions when his existing deal expires next month.

Bayern's board member for sport Hasan Salihamidzic said: "We're delighted Omar is coming to FC Bayern.

"Omar is a technically gifted player on the left side of defence. He finds good solutions going forward, he's very alert and we trust him to play a good role in our team."

Additional reporting by PA.

Read More

Robert Lewandowski: Bayern Munich star breaks Gerd Muller’s Bundesliga goalscoring record on final day

Hansi Flick: Former Bayern Munich boss to become Germany coach after Euro 2020