According to media reports, FC Bayern surprisingly hit the transfer market after Lucas Hernández’s serious injury and signed Dutchman Daley Blind, who was recently out of contract. Can the defender actually help the record champions? A quick check:
Few observers expected this replacement for Lucas Hernández, who was injured in his cruciate ligament: As the Dutch newspaper “De Telegraaf” revealed on Thursday, FC Bayern will sign Oranje international Daley Blind.
The German record champions have already confirmed the deal to “Sport1”. An official announcement by the club is still pending, but should still be made on Thursday.
The 32-year-old is said to have signed a contract until the end of the season. According to “Bild” and “Sky”, there should not be an option for another year, as initially reported.
Daley Blind: Reinforcement or emergency nail at Bayern?
But would Blind really be a reinforcement for FC Bayern? Or would the Dutchman only serve as a back-up should another defender get injured in the coming months?
Positive for FC Bayern: The club does not take a financial risk by signing the left foot. Blind only terminated his contract with Ajax Amsterdam shortly after Christmas and could therefore move to Munich for a free transfer.
According to “Sky” reporter Tobi Altschäffl, the veteran’s contract at FC Bayern should be performance-related and only have a low basic salary.
The reason for Blind’s departure from Ajax Amsterdam is said to have been the desire for more playing time. In addition, his relationship with coach Alfred Schreuder was considered burdened.
Blind vented his anger via Twitter: “I hadn’t imagined my end at Ajax like this, but due to certain circumstances it went like this.”
Versatility speaks for blind
From a sporting point of view, what speaks for Blind is that he can be used in a variety of ways on the defensive. In Amsterdam, Blind was mainly used as a left-back, but the 99-time national player can also play in defensive midfield and central defence.
At the World Cup, he acted in a three- or five-man chain as a rail player on the left side of Elftal.
The ball possession dominant game of Munich should also be blind. With a pass rate of around 89 percent, the 32-year-old is one of the best players of the current season in the Eredivisie.
With his experience of 500 professional games, including for Manchester United, he is also a good “mentor” for younger players.
FC Bayern: Just not Odriozola 2.0!
Blind shouldn’t be planned as a regular player. At Champions League level, the 32-year-old lacks speed in the full-back position. Inside, on the other hand, with a height of only 1.80 meters, he lacks air superiority.
At first glance, Blind’s signing seems to make sense for all sides. There is great hope that he will not join Alvaro Odriozola or Serdar Tasci in the list of Munich winter flops.
After all, Blind doesn’t have to get used to FC Bayern for long: With Matthijs de Ligt and Ryan Gravenberch, there are two players in the squad that he knows from the national team and from Amsterdam.
Phillip Schmalz