The German giants have finalized the signing of promising U.S. youth international forward with Gambian roots Bajung Darboe from Los Angeles FC (LAFC), according to sources from GiveMeSport.
Bayern are set to pay a transfer fee of €1.4 million, and the 18-year-old will officially join the club in January.
Darboe, who holds dual citizenship with the United States and The Gambia, first caught Bayern’s attention in 2022 when he trained with the club. His impressive performance during that stint led to a long-term interest that has now materialized into a full transfer two years later.
Bayern’s decision to secure Darboe aligns with their strategy of investing in young talent and nurturing future stars within their renowned youth development system.
Darboe’s career path has been notable for its unique trajectory. After featuring in friendlies for the U.S. U-17 national team, Darboe signed his first professional contract with LAFC in 2023.
During the 2022 season, he played with Philadelphia Union II, showcasing his potential in the competitive environment of MLS Next Pro. This year he made 14 appearances for LAFC’s second team.
Notably, LAFC and Bayern Munich have been partners in a “global soccer development cooperation” since 2023. This agreement underscores the mutual commitment to fostering young talent and sharing best practices between the MLS club and the Bundesliga champions.
Darboe’s upcoming move to Germany represents a significant step in his career, positioning him to gain invaluable experience at one of Europe’s most storied clubs.
