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It’s official: Bayern Munich have smashed their record transfer, signing Atletico Madrid and France center back Lucas Hernandez for a staggering €80m. The Frenchman will sign a five-year contract, and join the team on July 1st.
In case you can’t believe it, here’s the official tweet from the club twitter account:
BREAKING ❗❗ #FCBayern are delighted to announce the signing of Lucas #Hernández on a five-year deal from 1st July 2019. #FCBayern #MiaSanMia #ServusLucas pic.twitter.com/r3aaFQ5mum
— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) March 27, 2019
Lucas Hernandez will become the most expensive center-back in the world, beating out Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk in the process. The €80m paid for him is the most Bayern have paid for any transfer by some margin, the club’s previous record transfer being €41.5 for Corentin Tolisso in 2017.
Hernandez marks the start of the Bavarian rejuvenation promised by Uli Hoeness a few months ago. Hernandez and his compatriot Benjamin Pavard represent a massive €115m investment in the defense. Both players share certain similarities — they’re both center-backs who can play at fullback, they’re both French, and they both won the World Cup with France last year.
Here are some quotes from the man himself:
Today is a very important day in my football career. Bayern Munich is one of the best clubs in Europe and the world. I am proud to be able to fight for all titles with Bayern in the future.
I would like to thank Atletico, the management, the coaches, my teammates and the fans for a wonderful twelve years. Atlético will always be part of me. Now I’m happy that I’m taking the next step at Bayern.
We hope so too, Lucas!
See you in July, fellas! #MiaSanMia pic.twitter.com/RMGoGPcWVA
— FC Bayern US (@FCBayernUS) March 27, 2019