Eric Dier (Bayern Munich) is set to leave Germany for France after the end of this season. He will join AS Monaco, a top team in France's Ligue 1.
This transfer marks the conclusion of Dier's one-and-a-half-year journey at Bayern Munich, and he is embarking on a new challenge just as he is on the verge of his first career title.
Sky Sports Germany reported on the 2nd (Korean time) that "Dier has opted to forgo a contract renewal with Bayern Munich and has signed a three-year deal with Monaco," and that "the contract has already been finalized, and an official announcement is only pending."
Dier left Tottenham Hotspur for Bayern Munich on loan in January 2023, and after two months, the transfer was made permanent, allowing him to settle into the German league. The contract duration was one year. At Bayern Munich, he faced fierce competition with Kim Min-jae, Upamecano, and Matthijs de Ligt, but was not classified as a regular starter throughout the season. Dier participated in 25 official matches, with 13 of those being league matches.
Bayern Munich sporting director Christoph Freund revealed the background of Dier's transfer in an official setting. He noted, "Dier expressed his intention to renew, but he himself wanted a new challenge," adding, "He has always approached the team with a serious attitude, and I hope he gives his best until the end." He further added, "I hope he achieves his first league title before the end of this season."
Bayern Munich is set to face RB Leipzig on the 3rd, and if they secure three points, they could solidify their lead in the Bundesliga. This marks Dier's first opportunity to lift a trophy since his professional debut.
In contrast, close teammate Harry Kane will miss the match due to accumulated warnings. Kane will not be present for the victory celebration, leaving him disappointed.
Regarding Dier's departure, former national team player and commentator Dietmar Hamann expressed some disappointment. In a Sky Sports column, he stated, "Dier may not have been a regular in the starting lineup, but he has quietly performed the necessary roles for the team," and praised his contributions to stabilizing the defense in the latter half of the season.
Hamann also emphasized that Dier's presence was significant beyond the field. "He played an important role in the consolidation in the locker room. He smoothly communicated with the younger players and led the atmosphere, spreading positive energy within the team," he said, adding, "This transfer will leave a gap greater than just a simple loss of strength."
Hamann also mentioned that negotiations for a contract with Monaco may have started earlier. He stated, "If Bayern had responded more flexibly to the contract terms, a different conclusion might have been reached," expressing disappointment at the club's strategic judgment.
He particularly noted the relationship between Dier and Kane. "While transfers as a football player are personal choices, the departure of a longtime colleague can have emotional impacts. Kane will also deeply feel this decision," reflecting on the two players' friendship.
The two players spent a long time together at Tottenham and the England national team, reuniting in the summer of 2023 when they both donned the Bayern jersey. However, they are now set to go their separate ways.
This transfer is also linked to Bayern Munich's ongoing major squad restructuring. With a generational shift and reorganization of the team's strength anticipated ahead of the summer transfer window, Dier's departure is seen as a first signal. In this process, there is also speculation that many veteran resources may leave the team.
Meanwhile, Kim Min-jae is also being mentioned in transfer rumors following the recent restructuring of the defense. However, he has chosen to stay. In an interview with Sport1, Kim Min-jae stated, "I have no plans to transfer. Currently, I am focused on recovery and preparing for the next season," making his position clear.
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