Leverkusen signs Emre Can from Bayern Munich

Bayer Leverkusen signed German under-21 international Emre Can from Bundesliga rival Bayern Munich on Friday.

The 19-year-old midfielder signed a deal through to June 2017, Leverkusen announced in a statement. Both sides agreed not to disclose the transfer fee.

Bayern said it retained the option of bringing the player back to Munich.

''Can is one of the biggest talents in German football,'' Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said. ''We want to ensure with this step that he gets sufficient playing time, like for example (current Bayern players) Toni Kroos in Leverkusen, Philipp Lahm at Stuttgart or David Alaba at Hoffenheim before him.''

Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Voeller describes Can as ''extremely versatile,'' with the player comfortable on either side in midfield and can also play in defense.

Leverkusen general manager Wolfgang Holzhaeuser said ''we are convinced he can help us decisively in the coming years.''

Can, who joined Bayern from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2009, made only four Bundesliga appearances last season, scoring one goal.

''Leverkusen is among the leading clubs in the Bundesliga and playing in the Champions League. I want to contribute to making the coming years successful in all competitions,'' Can said.