Tuchel admits he sealed Dier transfer to help star's new Bayern team-mate

11 January 2024 , 20:37

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Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel (Image: Getty Images)

Eric Dier has completed an “amazing” move to Bayern Munich.

Tottenham defender Dier, 29, has joined the German giants until the end of the season with a further one-year option in the summer after one of the most surprising deals of the transfer window.

Dier has lost his place and fallen down the pecking order under Ange Postecoglou but is now moving to one of European football’s superpowers. England international Dier flew into Munich to complete the move and was asked whether he was looking forward to playing for Bayern.

“Very much, very much,” he said. “Amazing club… amazing.” Tottenham agreed the shock deal as Dier’s contract expires at the end of the season and it is a chance to link up again with close pal and former Spurs team mate Harry Kane.

Tottenham said in a statement: “We wish Eric and his family all the best for the future.” Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel tried to sign Dier last summer and has gone back for him to bolster their squad as they chase the Bundesliga title and face Lazio in the Champions League.

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Tuchel, whose side face Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga on Friday night, said: “He’s a specialist at centre-back. He has also played as a No 6 in the Premier League but not for a long time.

“We’re getting him for the centre-back position. He can play right or left centre-back as well as in a back three. We got him mainly so Leon Goretzka can be free to play in midfield and doesn’t have to switch to centre-back any more.”

Eric Dier has reunited with Harry Kane at Bayern Munich (Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)

Tottenham have offloaded Dier after agreeing a £21.5m deal to sign Radu Dragusin from Lazio having already brought in Timo Werner on loan from RB Leipzig. “This move is a dream come true for me, because as a child you want to play for a club like Bayern one day,” Dier added.

“Bayern is one of the biggest clubs in the world and has an incredible history. I want to help the team with my versatility in defence. I’m really looking forward to my new teammates and the fans at the Allianz Arena, which in my eyes is one of the best stadiums in the world.”

Bayern's sporting director Christoph Freund said of the deal: “We’re pleased we’ve been able to sign Eric Dier. He’s long been in our thinking for this transfer window. Eric will be a valuable part of our defence. His sporting abilities and international experience will help the team both on the pitch and in the changing room.”

John Cross