Borussia Dortmund have made a shock signing to start rebuilding their strike force in the form of Munir El Haddadi. The Moroccan-born Spanish youth international, who came up through Barcelona's world-renowned La Masia, agreed to a €50k per week contact through 2020 after der BVB met his €12.75M release clause.

After the sale of Ji Dong-Won and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang a little over a week ago, Borussia Dortmund were down to just one first-team striker. Manager Brian Laudrup has moved quickly in reinforcing his front line, and he has chosen to do so by continuing the German club's tradition of bringing in young players and developing them into stars.

Barcelona's Munir was considered the next big thing to come out of La Masia, breaking into the Barcelona B team in 2014 and scoring 4 goals in 11 appearances. Brilliant performances in the first team's preseason led to the youngster featuring in La Liga 6 times last season as well as scoring in the Copa del Rey and even making his UEFA Champions League debut.

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Despite being just 19 years old, Munir has already made 5 appearances for the Spanish U21 side. He burst onto the scene by scoring 4 goals against Serbia in his second match.

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English side Arsenal, Paris St.-Germain, and Borussia Dortmund were the front-runners for the teenager's hotly sought-after signature, all three teams having met the player's surprisingly low release clause of just €12.75M. Ultimately, however, El Haddadi chose to come to Germany for the chance to play alongside attacking superstar Marco Reus.

"I'm very excited to come to Germany," Munir told the press in broken German as Laudrup stood beside him at his unveiling. "Borussia Dortmund are a great club, and Brian Laudrup is a coach I cannot wait to work with. Hopefully I can keep growing and win many trophies here."

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A very exciting signing for Dortmund, indeed! Let's hope Munir can live up to his potential and go on to become one of the best European forwards, while at BVB.

Hmm, Munir? Taken a chance there

pompeyblue: I really think he could be our next superstar! Forget Lewandowski, Munir will be twice the player!

Pauker: It's a tad bit of a risk, but I am very sure he will develop excellently!

Munir, hm.

Good signing I guess, bit of a risk as Pauker said but Brian will pull something off.

yay, Munir

Munir, Reus & Immobile up front

Walter: Brian spent most of his post-playing days as a youth coach, so I'm sure he will be able to get the best out of Munir

AaronHJFT96: Woo, Munir!

Justice: Munir, Reus, and...we'll see

YOUNG LEFT BACK MAKES MOVE TO SPANISH CHAMPIONS

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VALENCIA YOUNGSTER JOSE LUIS GAYA MAKES €10M TREK TO ATLETICO MADRID

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Young left back considered future of Atletico and Spain

20 year old signs four year contract with La Liga champions

Atletico de Madrid manager Michael Laudrup has continued his recruitment plan of young Spanish players, siging Valencia's young starlet Jose Luis Gaya for a surprisingly low €10M. The left back, who is just 20 years of age, joins Thiago Alcantara as the second signing of the summer for La Liga's defending champions.

Jose Luis Gaya is Valencia's next big youngster. The club has produced numerous superstars over the last few years that they've been forced to sell due to poor finances; David Villa, David Silva, Juan Mata, Joaquin, Roberto Soldado, Jordi Alba, Paco Alcacer, and now 20 year old left back Jose Luis Gaya.

Gaya broke into the first team just this past season, making 38 total appearances for Los Che. The fullback is known for his willingness to get up the pitch and join in the attack, and at times was even utilized at left midfield. He is often compared to his predecessor Jordi Alba. Having now signed a four year, €20k per week contract with Atletico, his expectations have greatly risen.

Future of Atletico and Spain
Many people consider Gaya the next Spanish national team left back, to take over once Jordi Alba's time is over. He has a long way to go to achieve that, but 6 U21 caps and a move to the defending Spanish champions is a good start. Though he is not expected to be the main starter for the 2015/2016 season, many people are suspecting he will get plenty of rotation time with Guilherme Siqueira.

"I am very excited to welcome Jose Luis to the club," Laudrup told the press at the player's unveiling this afternoon. "He is a wonderful young footballer with the ability to get forward, defend, and work hard. The whole staff cannot wait to help Jose develop and become an Atletico Madrid star in years to come."

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Great signing in Munir, definitely worth the gamble

Gaya is a very hot prospect and a fantastic signing!

Great players, both Gaya and Munir and for lower money than their true values, very nice. Keep it up, this is one great story!

Nice to see you adding another home grown player to your side, home grown as in Spanish. But why you steal him from Valencia

Good signings

Great signing in Gaya, he has tons of potential.