Bayern Munich Signs Real Salt Lake Academy Product Taylor Booth

Booth becomes the latest young talent from North America heading to Bayern Munich, following Alphonso Davies and Chris Richards.

It’s official: Taylor Booth, the 17-year-old U.S. Under-18 national team midfielder who has been part of Real Salt Lake’s academy, has signed with Bayern Munich, SI.com has learned. Booth has acquired a European passport that will allow him to make the move before he turns 18, a source with knowledge of the situation said.

The Washington Post first reported Bayern’s interest in Booth last winter.

Booth becomes the latest young talent from North America heading to Bayern Munich. Alphonso Davies joined Bayern from the Vancouver Whitecaps in a deal that was an MLS record for an outgoing transfer until Miguel Almiron topped it with his move from Atlanta United to Newcastle on Thursday.

Bayern also recently signed 18-year-old American center back Chris Richards from FC Dallas after he enjoyed a successful loan period with the club over the summer. 

Bayern Munich confirmed the move–a three-and-a-half-year deal–later Thursday, with Bayern Campus Manager Jochen Sauer saying of the Eden, Utah, native, "We see a lot of potential in Taylor. He is a talented young player, and we look forward to working with him to develop his talent further."

Booth will play for Bayern's U-19 side and will link up with the U-23s for their winter training camp that is being held in Dallas, according to the club.