Report: Lucas Hernandez will not become a Bayern Munich player this January

According to reports by two Spanish sources, Atlético Madrid’s Lucas Hernandez will not become a Bayern Munich player any time soon. In separate reports published by AS and Mundo Deportivo, it is said that an agreement was reached between representatives of the two clubs to push the deal back until the summer. Atletico CEO Gil Marin and Bayern representatives Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Uli Hoeness are said to be involved in negotiations.

This development comes in contrast to initial reports by Marca, which said that the Bavarians were prepared to pay Hernandez’s €80m release clause to get him in January. The Frenchman would have been a fine addition to a center back lineup consisting of Niklas Sule, Mats Hummels, and Jerome Boateng. In addition, his ability to play at left back would have made him a solid backup option at fullback, especially in case of an injury to David Alaba.

Now, the prospect of Niko Kovac getting defensive reinforcements in the winter seems remote. Diego Simeone, meanwhile, can rest easy knowing that a key defender will be available for the second half of Atletico’s season.

There’s some additional info in Mundo Deportivo’s report. It says that while the agreement has been reached between the two clubs, the player’s entourage may still try to force a move. In that case, it remains to be seen if Bayern would be compelled to honor the agreement.

Further meetings between the two sides are expected in the upcoming weeks. Lucas Hernandez remains an Atletico Madrid player — for now.