Football News

Bayern confirm €80m club-record signing of World Cup winner Lucas Hernandez

By Ben Green

Published: 17:06, 27 March 2019

Bayern Munich have confirmed the signing of Atletico Madrid defender Lucas Hernandez after meeting his €80m release clause.

The World Cup winner has penned a five-year deal in Bavaria and will join the club at the end of the season on July 1.

Hernandez to Bayern: Four key things to know…

  1. Hernandez has been as long-term target for the German club who have previously stated their intention to sign him.
  2. President Uli Hoeness stated in February that the club would be willing to meet the defender’s release clause.
  3. In December Atleti were forced to release a statement denying the sale of Hernandez to Bayern.
  4. However, the German club have continued their pursuit and finally landed their top target for a club record fee.

The 23-year-old versatile defender has become the second signing of the summer, with the club looking to bolster their ranks following a somewhat tentative start to Niko Kovac’s reign as head coach.

“I’m very happy to be able to sign one of the best defenders in the world, a World Cup winner, in Lucas Hernandez,” said FC Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic.

“Lucas can play both in central defence and at left-back. Moreover, Lucas will continue our great tradition of French footballers and improve our team.”

Hernandez also revealed his delight in signing for Bayern, but was also quick to express his gratitude towards his boyhood club.

“Today’s a very important day in my career,” said Hernandez. “Bayern Munich is one of the best clubs in Europe and the world. I’m proud to be able to fight for every title with Bayern in the future.

“I’d like to thank Atletico for a wonderful 12 years. Atletico will always be a part of me. Now I’m happy that I’m taking the next step at Bayern.”

Hernandez has now joined France, and World Cup, teammate Benjamin Pavard at the Allianz Arena after his compatriot also agreed terms with the German giants, joining from VfB Stuttgart with a deal being confirmed in January for a fee in the region of £31.4m.

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Why Arsenal fans shouldn’t get too excited about Bayern’s latest signing

With Nacho Monreal entering his twilight years, Unai Emery will likely be in the market for a left-back to compete alongside Sead Kolasinac next season.

Hernandez, who plays left-back for France and has been utilised there for Atleti, was a potential target for Arsenal prior to his record-move to Bayern.

Another rumoured interest has been Bayern’s David Alaba, who has also been linked with Barcelona, with the club looking to find a long-term replacement for Jordi Alba.

Alaba recently spoken of his boyhood affection for Arsenal, opening the door for a potential future transfer, and with Bayern’s signing of Hernandez, this may cast some doubt on the Austrian’s future in Germany.

However, Hernandez is nominally a centre-back by trade and with club president Hoeness previously stating his intention strengthen that area, he was likely signed to compete at centre-back rather than as a direct replacement for Alaba.

With that, Arsenal fans may be getting a bit too carried away with the Hernandez deal…