The first big departure from Bayern Munich this summer was confirmed on Saturday. Die Roten confirmed the exit of Lucas Hernandez. The French defender completed a move to Paris Saint-Germain after spending four years in the Bundesliga.
Hernandez penned a farewell message on social media to thank Bayern fans for their support on Sunday. The French defender has signed a five-year deal with PSG to bring an end to his time in Munich. Bayern will be receiving a fee close to €45 million plus add-ons for the French international. Hernandez becomes Bayern’s most expensive sale along with Robert Lewandowski.
The French defender joined Bayern from Atletico Madrid in 2019 for a then-club-record fee. He enjoyed a lot of success during his four years in Munich. Hernandez won every possible trophy with Bayern during the last four seasons, including the treble in 2019/20.
Bayern has managed to get a decent fee for Hernandez since he had only one year left on his contract. The record Bundesliga champions were eager to extend his contract. There was a lot of optimism at Die Roten about a new contract during Ruckrunde despite Hernandez’s knee ligament injury.
Danke @FCBayern pic.twitter.com/QhLxqeDLwB
— Lucas Hernández (@LucasHernandez) July 9, 2023
The optimism over a new contract receded as soon as PSG came into the picture. The French club reached an agreement with the French defender. Lucas Hernandez requested Bayern chiefs to facilitate a move to Paris before going on a vacation in June. The two clubs reached an agreement a fortnight ago, and Hernandez sealed a move to Ligue 1.
Thomas Tuchel will be disappointed with Hernandez’s departure. The German coach was looking forward to working with the French international. It was not meant to be. Bayern couldn’t afford to lose a quality defender on a free next summer, so they had no choice but to agree a fee with PSG for Hernandez.
Lucas Hernandez was a quality player for Bayern whenever he was fit. He managed to make 107 appearances across four seasons, averaging 26 per campaign. The French international had miserable luck with injuries, which stopped him from becoming one of the best defenders in Europe. Eventually, it was probably the right time to part ways with the French defender. (Stats courtesy: Transfermarkt)
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Bayern has already clinched a deal for Hernandez’s replacement in the squad. The Bavarian club is close to completing a deal for Napoli’s Kim Min-jae. The South Korean defender has sealed a big move to Munich after helping Napoli win their first Serie A title in three decades.