Bayern Munich signed Eric Dier as a last-minute addition to their defense during the winter transfer window last season. The former Tottenham player was initially brought in on loan with an option to extend his contract, which was eventually extended until June 2025 after meeting certain criteria. Dier, who had spent almost a decade at Tottenham before joining Bayern Munich, struggled to get playing time in the first half of the 2023/24 season but found more opportunities in Munich.
Under coach Thomas Tuchel, Dier impressed many with his performances, especially in important matches like the ones against Arsenal and Real Madrid in the Champions League. However, the 30-year-old has now slipped down the pecking order at Bayern and is currently the third-choice center back behind Dayot Upamecano and Kim Min-jae, who better fit new coach Vincent Kompany’s style of play.
Reports suggest that Dier is likely to leave Bayern when his contract expires next summer due to his reduced role in the team. Despite playing 19 games last season, including 16 full matches, Dier has only featured in five games this season, starting just one. His latest setback came in the form of a hamstring injury during Bayern’s DFB Pokal game against FSV Mainz.
While Dier’s availability has been valuable for Bayern, especially given their defensive injury troubles, it seems that Kompany’s system requires defenders with different skill sets than what Dier offers. The club’s decision not to extend his contract seems reasonable given the circumstances. It remains to be seen whether Dier will seek a new club or consider retiring at the end of the season.
