Marc Roca is expected to challenge the likes of Javi Martinez and Corentin Tolisso for a starting berth in the Bayern Munich midfield. - © 2019 Getty Images
Marc Roca is expected to challenge the likes of Javi Martinez and Corentin Tolisso for a starting berth in the Bayern Munich midfield. - © 2019 Getty Images
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Bayern Munich sign Spain U21 Euro winner Marc Roca from Espanyol

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Bayern Munich have completed the signing of recent Spain U21 international midfielder Marc Roca from Espanyol.

The 23-year-old, who was a key player for Espanyol last term and helped his country win the UEFA U21 Euros last summer, has signed a five-year deal, and will wear the No.22 shirt.

"We"re very happy to have signed Marc Roca," said sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic. "He's an outstanding fit for our team both as a player and a person, and will continue to develop here with us. We're sure he'll add great value to our team."

Roca (r.) made 103 La Liga appearances for Espanyol, honing his craft against the likes of Lionel Messi (l.) and Barcelona. - imago

Roca started out in the Espanyol reserves, before breaking into the senior team in 2016/17. Enjoying his fourth campaign of first-team football, the cultured left-footer started 35 of Espanyol's 38 La Liga matches last term, although he couldn't save the Barcelona-based outfit from relegation.

Roca was an unused substitute in Spain's first two matches at the U21 Euros in Italy and San Marino, but registered an assist on his first start of the competition in the third group game against Poland. He scored in the last-four victory over France, before playing the full 90 minutes of the 2-1 final triumph against defending champions Germany.

"I'm very happy. This is a dream come true for me," Roca told the Bayern website. "I think FC Bayern is the best club in the world and has strong tradition. I’m really looking forward to wearing the colours of this great club."