Bayern sign Lucas Hernandez from Atletico for €80m

Bayern Munich have completed the signing of Lucas Hernandez from Atletico Madrid for a fee of €80million.

Lucas will join the Bundesliga giants on July 1 after they met the release clause in his Atletico contract and he has signed a five-year deal at the Allianz Arena.

However, the 23-year-old appears to have played his last game for Atletico, with Bayern stating he will have an operation to repair ligament damage in his right knee prior to his arrival.

The France international emerged as a potential target for Bayern towards the end of last year, having impressed during his country’s triumphant World Cup campaign.

Bayern and sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic made no secret of their interest in the versatile defender and reports had linked him with a January switch.

The Bavarian side were unable to secure a deal at that point, but they have succeeded in luring him to the club from next season.

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

Salihamidzic believes Bayern have secured one of the finest defenders in the world.

“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,” Salihamidzic said in a statement.

“Lucas can be used both in central defence and at left-back. In addition, Lucas will continue our tradition of outstanding French players and strengthen our team.”

Regarding Lucas’ knee injury, Bayern club doctor Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt said: “In my experience, Lucas Hernandez will be available to Bayern for the start of the 2019-20 Bundesliga season.”

The signing of Lucas means Bayern will have half of France’s World Cup-winning back four available to them next year, with the Atletico youth product to team up with Benjamin Pavard, who is due to join from Stuttgart.

See you boys in July #ServusLucas #FCBayern #MiaSanMia pic.twitter.com/mEN38TTu5p

— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) March 27, 2019