MLS Focus: Alphonso Davies: 'I always dreamed of a moment like this'

• by Paul Kennedy  @pkedit, Jul 25, 2018

The Alphonso Davies deal is done. The Vancouver Whitecaps and Bayern Munich announced the terms of the record transfer for an MLS player.

-- The Whitecaps will receive a fixed transfer fee and additional compensation that could total more than $22 million. (The previous MLS record was $10 million for Jozy Altidore, sold by the New York Red Bulls to Spain's Villarreal in 2008.)

-- Davies, who will not turn 18 until Nov. 2, will finish the 2018 MLS season with the Whitecaps.

-- He will be eligible to play for Bayern Munich or its affiliated teams when the German transfer window reopens on Jan. 1, 2019.

-- He has a contract with Bayern Munich through 2023.

“As a kid, I always dreamed of a moment like this,” Davies said in a release. “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. Ever since I joined the ’Caps when I was 14, they molded me throughout the years into the pro that I've become."

#FCBayern are delighted to announce the signing of @AlphonsoDavies!

He’s joined the club on a contract running until 2023 #MiaSanMia pic.twitter.com/yKSowVLsz7

— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) July 25, 2018

Vancouver co-owner Jeff Mallett termed the agreement "a landmark transfer" the Whitecaps, MLS and Canada.

“Youth development is a core part of our club,"  said Whitecaps co-owner Jeff Mallett. "We provide player development opportunities across Canada through regional camps, tournaments, our national academy centers 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."

Davies, who was born to Liberian refugees in Ghana and moved to Canada, first to Windsor, Ontario, and then Edmonton. He entered the Whitecaps' residency program when he was 14 and made his debut at the age of 16. He three goals and eight assists -- the most on the Whitecaps -- in 20 games in 2018.

“Of course, the big question on everyone’s mind is what this means for the Whitecaps," added Mallett. "Our ownership group is committed to investing 100 per cent of the funds back into the sporting side of the club.”

Davies didn't play for the Whitecaps when they lost to Seattle, 2-0, on Saturday and he isn't with them for their Canadian Championship semifinal match Wednesday night, but he should play when they host red-hot Minnesota United on Saturday.