Bundesliga
Transfer from Eric Dier to FC Bayern Munich perfect
Should alleviate Bayern’s defensive bottleneck: Eric Dier. photo
© John Walton/PA Wire/dpa
Thomas Tuchel gets the first winter signing he wants. Harry Kane’s long-time Tottenham colleague Eric Dier is supposed to ease the defensive bottleneck.
The 29-year-old has a contract with FC Bayern until June 30th this year with the option of an extension for another year.
“Eric will be a valuable part of our defense. His sporting abilities and his international experience will help the team both on the pitch and in the dressing room,” said sports director Christoph Freund, according to the statement.
As the first winter signing, Dier should help reduce the personnel shortage in the defense of the German champions. It was initially unclear whether he would be in the squad for Bayern’s Bundesliga home game against TSG 1899 Hoffenheim this Friday (8.30 p.m./Sat.1 and DAZN).
“For me, this move is a dream come true, because even as a child you want to play for clubs like FC Bayern one day,” said Dier. He has played for Tottenham since 2014 and was a teammate of Bayern striker Harry Kane there and in the English national team.
“Get Goretzka free for midfield”
According to coach Thomas Tuchel, Dier can occupy both central defender positions in defense and also act in a three-man chain. “We’ll definitely get Leon Goretzka free for midfield,” said Tuchel, referring to the national player who recently had to help out at the back. Bayern will be missing central defender Minjae Kim (Asian Cup) and Noussair Mazraoui (Africa Cup) in the first few weeks of the year due to appearances for their national teams.
How valuable Dier can be remains to be seen. Because at Tottenham he was recently only second choice and has only made four appearances in the Premier League this season.
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