Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich have decided to break their transfer record to sign World Cup winner Lucas Hernandez from Atletico Madrid. The Bavarians paid 80 million euros for the 23-year-old French defender, who signed a five-year contract with the German club. The transfer will not go through right away, the defender will remain at Atletico until the end of the season and then he will move at Bayern on 1 July. The Frenchman won't be playing football very soon, though, during the medical at Bayern the doctors discovered that he had damaged a ligament in his right knee and had surgery on Wednesday.
"This is a really important day in my footballing career," Hernandez said. "Bayern Munich is one of the best clubs in Europe and the world. I'm proud to be able to fight for all possible titles with Bayern. I would like to thank Atletico, the management, the coaches, my team-mates and the fans for a wonderful 12 years. Atletico will always be part of me. Now I'm happy that I'm taking the next step at Bayern." Hernandez started his career as a kid at Atletico Madrid and then made his professional debut in 2014. He went on to make 67 league appearances for the club and won the Europa League and the UEFA Super Cup. He has already earned 15 caps for France and featured in all their matches at the 2018 World Cup.
"I am very happy that in Lucas Hernandez we have been able to sign one of the best defensive players in the world and a world champion," said Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic. "Lucas can be used both in central defence and on the left of defence. In addition, Lucas will continue our tradition of outstanding French players and strengthen our team." Bayern were knocked out of the UEFA Champions League by Liverpool in the round of 16, but they have managed to move to the top of the Bundesliga table, even though they are tied on 60 points with rivals Borussia Dortmund.
Bayern Munich are 4/11 at Bet365 to win the Bundesliga title again this season.
03/29/19, 07:03:18 PM
