BREMEN, Germany — Germany midfielder Tim Borowski is to leave Werder Bremen for Bayern Munich on a free transfer at the end of the season.
The 27-year-old Borowski’s contract expires June 30 and he told trainer Thomas Schaaf and general manager Klaus Allofs of his decision late Sunday.
"It’s a pity," Schaaf said. "We would have liked to have continued to work with Tim, but we must accept the development."
Bayern, which announced last week that former Germany coach Juergen Klinsmann would become its new coach from July 1, said Borowski would sign a three-year contract in the next few weeks.
Allofs was not surprised that Borowski wants to join the four-time European champion.
"We made Tim an offer last year, but he decided against entering into negotiations," Allofs said in a statement. "When a player who is part of the German national team becomes available, then you have to expect these sort of developments."
Borowski joined the Werder Bremen youth team from FC Neubrandenburg in 1996, and has been part of its professional squad since 2001.
He helped Bremen win the league and cup double in 2004, and was a key player for the Germany team that finished third at the 2006 World Cup under Klinsmann.