Bayern Munich agree fee for Tottenham Hotspur defender Eric Dier

Ahead of the first game of Ruckrunde on Friday, Bayern Munich have finally signed a defender to strengthen the squad. The Bavarian club reached an agreement with Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday to sign Eric Dier on a permanent deal.

Dier was spotted in Munich for the medicals. The English defender was heavily linked with a move to Munich since the start of the winter transfer window. The record champions agreed personal terms with Dier, but they continued to explore other options to strengthen the central defense.

Bayern had lodged a last-minute bid for Genoa’s Radu Dragusin on Tuesday. However, the Romanian defender decided to go ahead with a move to Tottenham Hotspur. As soon as the move for Dragusin didn’t look possible, Bayern swiftly concluded a deal for Dier.

The English defender is expected to sign a contract until the end of next season. Spurs are expected to get a fee below €5 million for Dier. Bayern are expected to utilize Dier in central defense, but he can also slot in the defensive midfield position if Tuchel wants to add more steel in the center of the park.                           

Bayern have saved a lot of money by signing Dier in January. They are expected to look for a central defender in the summer when there will be a good chance of getting primary targets. Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo remains the dream defensive target for Tuchel and Bayern. The German club is expected to test Barcelona’s resolve in the summer.

Apart from Araujo, Bayern also have Lens defender Kevin Danso on their list of defensive targets. The Austrian defender had emerged as a potential option in January alongside Radu Dragusin. Eventually, Die Roten decided to go ahead with Dier to strengthen the defense for the second half of the season.

Dier was out of favour at Spurs under Ange Postecoglou this season. The English defender hardly featured under the Australian coach in the Premier League. He may need some time to get back in rhythm before starting games for Die Roten. As things stand, he is likely to be part of the squad for Friday’s game against Hoffenheim.

Bayern are also working on a deal to sign Nordi Mukiele from Paris Saint-Germain. The French international is top target for Die Roten and Tuchel to add more depth in the right-back position. Mukiele’s move to Munich is likely to be a loan deal with an option to buy. The arrival of Mukiele later in January will be the last piece of business for Bayern in the winter.