Lucas Hernandez to Bayern Munich:
After getting knocked out of the Champions League by Liverpool, Bayern Munich decided to give its squad a boost. They broke their club record fee to sign the World Cup Winner. The transfer is said to be completed at $90 million and he is set to join the Bayern squad on 1st of July. "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," Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic announced on the club's website. "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."
He will be the 10th French player join Bayern. Another French World Cup Cup winner they signed was Benjamin Pavard in the January transfer window. Lucas Hernandez was born in Marseille in 1996 and has played for Atletico Madrid since 2007. He came into the club’s youth teams and has made 110 features for the first team since 2014/15. He is 1.83 meters tall which is more than enough for a full-back. The defender, whose contract with Atletico incipiently ran until 2024, was part of the side that reached the 2016 UEFA Champions League final and won the Europa League in 2018. He enjoyed his excellent hour last summer when he won the 2018 FIFA World Cup with France, beating Croatia 4-2 in the final. When asked about his move to Germany, Hernandez explained, "This is a really important day in my footballing career. 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, the coaches, my teammates and the fans for 12 wonderful years. Atletico will always remain a part of me. Now I’m looking forward to taking the next step with FC Bayern.”
Nico Schulz to Borussia Dortmund:
Another full-back in the list, Nico Schulz transferred from Hoffenheim to Dortmund. The 26-year-old, who made 71 appearances for Hoffenheim became a full Germany international during his time at the club, has signed a five-year deal through to 30 June 2024.
"I know exactly what I owe to TSG, the people at the club, the training staff, the fans, and my teammates," Schulz said.
"Dortmund is a top club, whose style of football suits me really well. I think I can help the team. Together we can achieve something big."
Dortmund will be Schulz's fourth Bundesliga club after hometown club Hertha Berlin(2010-2015), Borussia Mönchengladbach (2015-2017) and Hoffenheim. He has made 122 Bundesliga appearances since making his professional debut with Hertha in August 2010, recording four goals and 14 assists. He is widely viewed as one of the best left-sided defenders in the division. The transfer amount is said to be around 25.50 Million €.
Julian Brandt to Borussia Dortmund:
Another transfer to Dortmund, Julian Brandt transferred from Bayer Leverkusen. Despite interest from Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester United amongst many others, the German chose Borussia Dortmund. Brandt, 23, has emerged as one of the best midfielders in the Bundesliga and beyond since joining Die Werkself from boyhood club Wolfsburg in January 2014. He was one of the driving forces behind Bayer's successful bid to qualify for the UEFA Champions League in 2018/19, providing seven goals and no fewer than 11 assists during a standout campaign.
"I'm the kind of guy who follows his gut, and in the case of Borussia Dortmund I had a really good feeling," Brandt explained. "I want to develop, and that's one of the main reasons for moving.
"Dortmund went really close to winning the title, so there's room for improvement. There's a lot to look forward to, I'm very motivated and optimistic about my own development, but above all about the whole team." Dortmund paid 22 million € for Brandt which seems like a bargain.
Vincent Kompany to Anderlecht Frankfurt:
Manchester City skipper, Vincent Kompany has finally decided to move on from the Premier League. After winning back-to-back titles with Manchester City, Kompany is moving to Frankfurt on a free transfer. He is set to be player-manager of the German side. Belgian defender Kompany joined City in 2008 and earned 360 appearances, winning four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups, and two Community Shields. The 33-year-old signed off with a victory in the FA Cup final, where the club captain lifted the trophy after City trounced Watford 6-0 to complete a domestic treble."As overwhelming as it is, the time has come for me to go. And what a season to bow out, I feel nothing but gratefulness. I am grateful to all those who supported me on a special journey, at a very special club." Anderlecht is the Belgian club where Kompany began his professional career before joining Hamburg and he admitted he is relishing the chance to move into management.
"I choose to be grateful for the past but remain ambitious and driven for the future. For the next three years, I will take up the role of player-manager of Anderlecht. Belgium's finest," he wrote on Facebook.
Thorgan Hazard to Borussia Dortmund:
Dortmund’s third signing comes in the form of the Belgian center-forward, Thorgan Hazard. The 26-year-old midfielder, younger brother of Chelsea's Eden Hazard has signed a five-year deal for a reported £30m from their rivals, Borussia Monchengladbach. 'I'm grateful for the five wonderful years I've spent at Borussia Monchengladbach and the good memories I take with me. Now was exactly the right time to take the next step in my career. I'm proud that I'll be able to play for Borussia Dortmund. It's a top club with amazing fans.'
The 26-year-old has gained 21 caps and scored three goals for his country. This season he scored 13 goals and dented up 12 assists in 35 games for Monchengladbach. Hazard has always been Borussia Dortmund’s favoured nominee to replace Christian Pulisic, who will leave for Chelsea in the summer. His pace, directness, versatility and Bundesliga experience make him the ideal signing for Borussia Dortmund. It would be interesting to see the Dortmund team with 3 new signings now.
'He's an experienced Bundesliga and Belgium national player who'll help us with his pace and shooting ability. He has consistently proven his class in recent years', said Dortmund's sporting director Michael Zorc.
