Eric Dier (31, Bayern Munich) will leave the team this summer. Dier's contract ends at the end of this season, and he is heading to Ligue 1 in France for a new challenge.

Sky Sports Germany reported on the 2nd (Korea time) that Dier has chosen to transfer to AS Monaco without re-signing. According to the report, he will finalize his contract at the end of June and start a 3-year contract in Monaco from July 1.

Dier moved on loan from Premier League Tottenham Hotspur to Bayern Munich in January 2023, and after two months, he completed a permanent transfer, signing a 1-year contract. At Bayern, he competed for positions with Kim Min-jae, Upamecano, and de Ligt, but he could not establish himself as a solid starter. He has participated in 25 matches across all competitions this season, including 13 league matches.

At a press conference on the 2nd, Bayern Munich Director General Christoph Freund noted, “We discussed re-signing with Dier, but he chose not to extend.” He said, “The club respects his decision. He was a player who had a positive impact on the team, and the time spent with him was meaningful.” He added, “I hope the remaining season leads to his first trophy.”

Bayern is currently closing in on the Bundesliga championship. Bayern Munich will effectively secure the championship if they win the upcoming match against RB Leipzig on the 3rd. For Dier, who has had no relationship with trophies since his Premier League days, it could be his first championship in his personal career.

However, Dier's long-time teammate Harry Kane will miss this match. Kane, who is unable to play due to accumulated warnings, will not be able to share the moment of victory on the field.

Regarding Dier's transfer news, German football commentator Dietmar Hamann raised questions about the club's judgment. Through a column in Sky Sports Germany, he evaluated, “Dier was a necessary asset to the team in the second half and has maintained a diligent attitude. Even when his appearances were limited, he dedicated himself without complaint and demonstrated stable defense whenever given the opportunity.”

Hamann emphasized that in addition to his performance, Dier also played a role in maintaining the dressing room atmosphere, citing matches he played together with Josip Stanišić. He added, “In a situation where the club is preparing for the Club World Cup, his departure is not merely a reduction in numbers; it could affect both the team’s strength and atmosphere.”

He continued, “It is also possible that Bayern did not accept the 2+1 year contract proposed by Monaco. However, if they had taken a more flexible approach, the negotiations might have turned out differently,” pointing out the lack of flexibility from Bayern Munich's management.

Hamann also mentioned the psychological impact that Dier's departure might have on Kane. “Dier's departure could leave a significant emotional impact on Kane. Of course, Kane is a player who signed personally, but the situation of an old friend and teammate leaving could also affect the team atmosphere,” he analyzed.

Dier and Kane have been partners for nearly 10 years since their time at Tottenham. They played together for both the club and the England national team, starting the season together at Bayern Munich. However, as the new season approaches, their paths are set to diverge.

Bayern has announced a major rebuilding phase for this summer. Dier's separation can be interpreted as the starting point for that. As part of the generational shift and restructuring to enhance competitiveness on the European stage, some veteran-centered resources are naturally following the path of departure.

Meanwhile, Kim Min-jae is also caught in transfer rumors. However, Kim Min-jae stated in an interview with German Sport1, “I have no intention of leaving the team,” expressing his will to stay. He conveyed his plans, saying, “Above all, what is important is to fully recover my physical condition and prepare well for the next season.”

However, regardless of Kim Min-jae's intentions, the defensive restructuring of Bayern Munich is already becoming a reality. Itakura, Araujo, and Jonathan Tah are all being directly connected in the transfer market, which may lower the chances of Kim Min-jae's participation.

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