Eric Dier to join Bayern Munich permanently after Tottenham loan
- Dier joined Bayern on loan from Tottenham during the January window
- 30-year-old has been a regular under Thomas Tuchel
- Conflicting reports on his long-term future in Munich
By Tom Gott
Eric Dier will join Bayern Munich permanently this summer after triggering the appearance clause in his loan contract from Tottenham Hotspur, reports suggest.
Dier sealed a loan switch to Bayern during the January transfer window and has quickly become a regular starter under Thomas Tuchel, starting four out of six Bundesliga games so far despite initially being expected to serve a backup role.
His deal with Bayern was due to run for six months - the same duration as his Tottenham contract - but included a clause which could see his stay in Munich extended for a further 12 months, and The Athletic state that has indeed been triggered.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Dier needed to make just three appearances before the loan deal, for which Bayern paid around €4m (£3.4m), would be made permanent.
Just whether Dier will actually remain with Bayern is a different question. While The Athletic report that the German side have been impressed with his impact since joining in January, Bild recently stated there were concerns over the 30-year-old's suitability for the team.
Questions about his lack of pace have seen Dier's continuation with Bayern put up for debate, but regardless of their stance, Bayern will now have to come up with a plan for the versatile defender ahead of the coming season.
Dier appears to have won over Tuchel but will have to endear himself to a new manager next season as Bayern have already confirmed they will change their boss at the end of the season.
Xabi Alonso is Bayern's top target to replace Tuchel but the German side must fend off competition from Liverpool, who are looking at Alonso to take the spot left behind by Jurgen Klopp.
READ THE LATEST TRANSFER NEWS & GOSSIP FROM AROUND THE WORLD
feed