Bayern Munich announce signing of former Nigeria U17 World Cup star
Bayern Munich have confirmed the signing of former Nigeria U17 international Daniel Francis from Abuja-based FC Hearts on a three-year contract.
Officially registered as a player for Bayern Munich Reserve team— Bayern Munich II—who play in the German fourth tier, Francis has been sent out on loan to Austrian side Klagenfurth for the 2022-23 season.
“FC Bayern have signed 18-year-old Nigerian Daniel Francis. The midfielder has joined from FC Hearts Abuja on a contract until 2025 and will spend the 2022/23 season loan at Austrian Bundesliga side Austria Klagenfurt. Francis earned himself a professional contract through FC Bayern’s World Squad project,” the Bavarian club announced on their official website.
Welcome, Daniel! 👋#FCBayern have signed 18-year-old Daniel Francis from FC Hearts Abuja on a deal until 2025. He will join Austria Klagenfurth on loan for the 2022/23 season ✍️ https://t.co/W7JnNg6M58
— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN) August 4, 2022
Speaking about the signing, Jochen Sauer, director of the FC Bayern Campus, said: “Daniel came to the fore during his time in the FC Bayern World Squad and really stood out in the friendly matches. He attracted interest from other clubs, so we’re pleased to have signed him and that he’ll now be able to gain match experience at Austria Klagenfurt.”
For the past two years, Francis has been a player of the Bayern Munich World Squad—an initiative launched in the summer of 2021 to find international talents.
The defensive midfielder, who represented Nigeria at the 2019 FIFA U17 World Cup, impressed the coaching team led by Bayern legends Klaus Augenthaler and Ze Roberto during training camps in Rio de Janeiro and Munich as well as the friendlies.
He captained the team during their tour of Mexico and Germany, where they played several friendlies.
The 2022 World Squad featured 24 young players from across the world.