Eric Dier activates option to extend stay at Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich decided to pursue a stop-gap option in central defense during the winter window by signing Eric Dier from Tottenham Hotspur. It was a surprise transfer for Bayern since Dier didn’t play a lot of football in the first half of the season. With game time difficult to come by at Spurs, Dier swiftly agreed to complete a move to Munich.

In the last few weeks, Dier has started consistently for Bayern since there have been problems with other senior center-backs in the squad. The English defender initially joined on a six-month deal, but it does look like he is set to stay in Munich beyond the end of the season.

According to The Athletic and BBC, Dier has activated the option of extending his stay at Bayern by a further 12 months. The deal included a clause that would activate a 12-month contract once Dier made a certain number of appearances for the Bavarian club. The English defender has made four starts and two substitute appearances for Die Roten since joining the club in January.

The 30-year-old center-back is currently the fourth choice option in central defense behind Dayot Upamecano, Matthijs de Ligt, and Kim Min-jae. Dier is a good enough option to have as cover in central defense due to his experience and quality. Moreover, he can also play in the right-back position and slot in the center of the park.

Despite Dier activating the contract extension, his future at Bayern will depend on his role under the new coach. Thomas Tuchel was content with Dier’s signing, but the German coach will not be at the club beyond this season. The new head coach will decide on Dier’s role in the summer. If the English defender is content with that role, he is likely to stay in Bavaria for one more season.

Dier is expected to start for Bayern later today against Freiburg. He has done well in the last six games for Rekordmeister. The Bavarian club will hope Dier to continue this form over the next 15 months at the club. 

Bayern Munich are expected to strengthen defense in the summer. They tried to sign Radu Dragusin from Genoa in January, but he decided to join Tottenham Hotspur. The Bavarian club is expected to make another move for Barcelona’s Araujo in the summer. With Matthijs de Ligt facing an uncertain future, there could be big changes in the defensive department at Die Roten.