Bayern sign Frankfurt's Rode

Bayern confirmed on Monday that Eintracht Frankfurt's Sebastian Rode has agreed to join the club at the end of the season. The 24-year-old midfielder has signed a four-year-deal with the German champions.

Rode has made 108 first-team appearances for Eintracht Frankfurt, including 61 Bundesliga games, which followed his early ascent to the first-team when the club was playing in the second-tier.

He became an integral part of Armin Veh's side that secured a European place last season, forming a solid midfield partnership with captain Pirmin Schwegler.

Rode has played 17 times in the league this season, while also making a further seven appearances in Frankfurt's UEFA Europa League campaign, which extended until the Last 32 stage. He hasn't played since picking up a knee injury in Frankfurt's 0-0 draw with Werder Bremen on February 23.

"I'm really happy that this transfer has been completed," Rode told the official Bayern website.

"Bayern is the next big step for me," he added. "I want to develop here and win a lot of titles with my future team-mates."

"Sebastian Rode is an excellent professional, he embodies the highest level of professionalism and dynamism," sporting director Matthias Sammer said."I'm sure he will give our team a lot of momentum and pep to tackle future challenges."

Rode is now the second confirmed signing by the German champions for next season following the capture of Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski on a free transfer.

rd/dr (dpa, SID)