<
>

Bayern Munich sign Lucas Hernandez from Atletico Madrid for €80m

Bayern Munich have completed the signing of Atletico Madrid defender Lucas Hernandez for €80 million and the France international will officially join on June 30.

A move to the Allianz Arena had long been mooted for the World Cup-winner, and he will sign a five-year contract, with Atletico confirming Bayern met the 23-year-old buy-out clause.

"Today is a very important day in my career," Hernandez said. "Bayern Munich are one of the best clubs in Europe and the world.

"I am proud to be able to fight for every trophy with Bayern in the future. I would like to thank Atletico, the management, the coaches, my teammates and the fans for a wonderful 12 years. Atletico will always be a part of me. Now I'm happy that I'm taking the next step at Bayern. "

Bayern director Hasan Salihamdzic added: "I am very happy that in Lucas Hernandez we have been able to sign one of the best defensive players in the world and world champions.

"Lucas can be used both in central defence and on the left. In addition, Lucas will continue our tradition of outstanding French players and strengthen our team."

Hernandez is sidelined with a knee injury picked up during the 3-1 defeat to Real Madrid in La Liga, but Bayern are confident he will be fit for the beginning of the next campaign.

"In our medical examination, we have found damage to the inner ligament of the right knee, which must be repaired surgically," Bayern doctor Hans-Wilhelm Müller-Wohlfahrt said.

"In my experience, Lucas Hernandez will be available to Bayern for the start of the 2019-20 Bundesliga season."

Hernandez follows fellow World Cup winner with France Benjamin Pavard in joining Bayern this summer.