Bayern to sign Lucas Hernandez from Atletico for €80M

Bayern Munich agreed to pay a club-record €80 million to sign Atletico Madrid defender Lucas Hernandez on July 1, the German club announced on Wednesday.

Hernandez, 23, will sign a five-year contract with Bayern.

Corentin Tolisso was the most expensive signing in Bayern's history at €41.5 million in 2017, but the fee for Hernandez is nearly double that.

"I'm very happy we've been able to sign one of the best defenders in the world, a World Cup winner, in Lucas Hernandez," sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic said. "Lucas can play both in central defence and at left-back. Moreover, Lucas will continue our great tradition of French footballers and improve our team."

Hernandez, who is currently sidelined by a knee injury, will spend the rest of the season at Atletico. He'll also require surgery before officially joining the Bavarian side in the summer.

"This is a really important day in my footballing career," Hernandez said. "FC Bayern Munich is one of the best clubs in Europe and the world. I'm proud to be able to fight for all possible titles with Bayern.

"I'd like to thank Atletico, the management, coaches, my teammates, and the fans for 12 wonderful years. Atletico will always remain a part of me."

Hernandez will reunite with international teammate Benjamin Pavard at Bayern. Pavard will join the reigning Bundesliga champions from Stuttgart for a reported €35 million in July.