German champions Bayern Munich are close to completing the permanent signing of Gambian academy product Bara Sapoko Ndiaye following an impressive loan spell, according to Sport Bild.

Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund confirmed that the deal is nearing completion while speaking to reporters after the club’s 2-1 pre-season defeat to SV Wehen Wiesbaden.

“The final details still need to be worked out, but I expect him to start the season with us,” Freund said. “Bara will take the pre-season fitness tests next Monday at Säbener Straße and then join us at the training camp at Lake Tegernsee.”

The 18-year-old joined Bayern on loan from Gambinos Stars Africa in Mandinari during the January transfer window, a move that initially surprised many due to his relatively low profile.

Although first thought to be an attacking player, Ndiaye quickly established himself as a deep-lying midfielder and impressed the Bayern coaching staff with his performances.

He made four substitute appearances for the German giants, including his Bundesliga debut in April as Bayern cruised to a 5-0 victory over FC St. Pauli.

During his loan spell, his estimated market value reportedly rose from €300,000 to €4 million.

Ndiaye is the first player developed at Gambinos Stars Africa to progress to Bayern Munich and feature in Germany’s top flight through the partnership between the Gambian academy and the Bundesliga club.

The Senegalese youth international’s loan agreement included an option for Bayern to make the move permanent, with the German champions now expected to exercise that clause before the start of the new season.