Kingsley Coman has been with the German record champions since 2015 and Corentin Tolisso moved to Munich two years later. Benjamin Pavard, Michaël Cuisance and Lucas Hernández have been part of the Bayern family since last summer. And now the quintet has become a sextet: Tanguy Nianzou Kouassi, the sixth Frenchman in FC Bayern's squad, was unveiled on Wednesday - the 18-year-old continues a long and successful tradition of French footballers in Munich.
Bayern's first Frenchman
Jean-Pierre Papin opened a door to Germany when he moved to Munich in 1994. He played 40 games at FCB until 1996, scoring six goals including the unforgettable overhead kick in a home game against KFC Uerdingen. Since then, he has been followed by Coman, Tolisso, Pavard, Cuisance and Hernández as well as Franck Ribéry (2007 to 2019), Valérien Ismaël (2005 to 2008), Willy Sagnol (2000 to 2009) and Bixente Lizarazu (1997 to 2006, with six months at Olympique Marseille from June 2004).
Important factor
The signing of the defensive talent has set a new benchmark for the German record champions. Apart from German professionals, Bayern Munich have never had six players from the same country in their ranks. This was an important factor for Nianzou when he signed with Bayern: "I think the number of French guys influenced my decision. Great French players like Lizarazu and Sagnol have also been here in the past. That had an impact."
Acclimatisation in Munich
Nianzou must first get settled in the Bavarian capital. Moving to a foreign city and a new club is never easy - especially at such a young age. Fortunately, the defender still has some time to adjust to his new home. "He has received a training programme and will be on holiday for the time being," said board member for sport Hasan Salihamidžić, "we want him to be in top shape for next season."
Do you want to get to know Bayern's new signing? Here's all the important information about Tanguy Nianzou:
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