Wednesday 27 March 2019, 17:03

World Cup winner Lucas Hernandez completes Bayern deal

  • 2018 World Cup champion Lucas Hernandez completes Bayern Munich move

  • He will join the Bundesliga giants from Atletico Madrid on 1 July 2019

  • Contract runs until 2024

FIFA World Cup™ champion with France at Russia 2018 Lucas Hernandez has officially agreed to sign with Bayern Munich from Atletico Madrid in a deal that will see him join the German giants on 1 July 2019.

The German record champions' desire to sign the 23-year-old was made clear by the €80 million transfer fee they paid for the defender, making him the most expensive player in Bundesliga history.

Hernandez's contract with Bayern will run until 30 June 2024.

During his medical with the club, Hernandez was found to have medial collateral ligament damage in his right knee, which will require surgery, but he is expected to be available for the start of the 2019/2020 Bundesliga season, according to Bayern's chief medical officer Dr. Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt.

"This is a really important day in my footballing career," Hernandez told the club's official website. "Bayern Munich is one of the best clubs in Europe and the world. I’m proud to be able to fight for all possible titles with Bayern. I’d like to thank Atletico, the management, the coaches, my team-mates and the fans for 12 wonderful years. Atletico will always remain a part of me. Now I’m looking forward to taking the next step with Bayern."

"I’m very happy we’ve been able to sign one of the best defenders in the world, a World Cup winner, in Lucas Hernandez,” Bayern Munich Sporting Director Hasan Salihamidzic told the club's official website. "Lucas can play both in central defence and at left-back. Moreover, Lucas will continue our great tradition of French footballers and improve our team."

Hernandez is the second France player Bayern have signed following the country's triumph at Russia 2018. He will join fellow France team-mate Benjamin Pavard on the same day.

Hernandez played all seven games for Les Bleus at the World Cup in Russia, and he started in their 4-2 victory over Croatia in the final.

Lucas Hernandez fact file

Born: 14 February 1996 in Marseille Football education: Came through Atletico Madrid's academy Senior debut in La Liga: 3 December 2014 in a 4-1 win for Atletico Madrid against Athletic Bilbao Position: Defender, left-back or centre-back Senior team debut for France: 23 March 2018, international friendly v Colombia (3-2 win for COL) Greatest career success so far: FIFA World Cup triumph with France in 2018