MILAN — Switzerland goalkeeper Yann Sommer has joined Inter Milan from Bayern Munich, both clubs said.
The 34-year-old Sommer, who is first-choice for his country, arrived in Munich in January to deputise in Manuel Neuer’s injury absence for the Bundesliga champions.
“There are children who dream of becoming great strikers. Others, meanwhile, are born to play in goal, and this most certainly applies to Yann Sommer,” Inter said in a statement.
“Experience, leadership and commitment: these are all qualities that Sommer is now ready to display in Nerazzurri colours.”
Inter replaced Andre Onana by signing Sommer.
The Nerazzurri announced the move following a transfer from Bayern Munich that was worth 6 million euros ($5.45 million), according to the Gazzetta dello Sport.
That´s a fraction of the 51 million euros ($57 million) that Inter gained from selling Onana to Manchester United.
After 8½ years at Borussia Monchengladbach, the 34-year-old Sommer spent the second half of last season at Bayern as a replacement for the injured Manuel Neuer.
Last August while still at Monchengladbach, Sommer set a Bundesliga record with 19 saves in a match against Bayern.
Onana had split time last season with Samir Handanovic, whose contract was not renewed.
Sommer said that “a big reason” for signing with Inter was that his ability to play out from the back fits well with the tactics of Inter coach Simone Inzaghi.
“That´s my style of goalkeeping,” he said. “I like to be a good option for the team.”
Sommer has made 83 appearances for Switzerland.
Romania’s Ionut Radu was loaned out to Premier League side AFC Bournemouth last month.
“We understand and respect Yann Sommer’s desire to seek a new challenge at Inter Milan because he wants to play as the number one goalkeeper in the long term,” Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen told the club website.
“(He) helped us out in a complicated situation when Manuel Neuer was seriously injured and we would like to thank him sincerely for his commitment.”
Sommer made more than 80 appearances for Switzerland having made his debut in a friendly against Romania in May 2012.
Elsewhere, Italy striker Gianluca Scamacca has joined Serie A side Atalanta from West Ham United, the two clubs said.
The 24-year-old signed for an undisclosed fee but British media said it was a total of 32 million euros ($35.18 million).
“Atalanta B.C. would like to extend a warm welcome to Gianluca and wish him the best of luck in his future personal and team projects as a Nerazzurro,” the Italian club said in a statement.
Scamacca played one season for the Hammers, who finished 14th in the Premier League, netting eight goals in 27 appearances, including five in West Ham’s run to the Europa Conference League title – their first major trophy in 43 years.
The transfer comes after Manchester United signed Atalanta’s Denmark striker Rasmus Hojlund.
West Ham last month sold England midfielder Declan Rice to Arsenal for a reported 105 million pounds.
