Bayern get in early to sign Gladbach's Dante

VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach centre-back Dante Bonfim will join UEFA Champions League finalists FC Bayern München in the summer.

Dante, who arrived at Mönchengladbach from R. Standard de Liège in 2009, has signed a four-year contract with the Bavarian outfit. "Bayern are one of the three or four biggest clubs in the world," said the 28-year-old Brazilian. "I have the chance to play at the highest level and win trophies. I am looking forward to this new step in my career."

Dante has missed just one Bundesliga game this term, helping Mönchengladbach to their current fourth place and the brink of securing entry to next season's UEFA Champions League play-offs. The former LOSC Lille Métropole, R. Charleroi SC and Standard defender has made 91 top-flight appearances for Borussia, scoring eight goals.

Bayern sporting director Christian Nerlinger said of the acquisition: "We're very happy to have signed Dante. He is an excellent and established Bundesliga professional who will help us achieve our goals in the next four years."