Daley Blind of the Netherlands has joined Bayern Munich, the club announced on Thursday night.
The contract of the former Manchester United and Ajax player is valid through the end of the current campaign with the option of an extension.
Blind, 32, ended his contract with Dutch powerhouse Ajax by mutual consent in December, six months before it was set to expire, and became a free agent.
Prior to the crucial portion of the season, Blind expressed his excitement at joining the German champions.
Blind said:
“I can hardly wait to play here. We’ve got the most important part of the season coming up, where it’s about titles and a club like Bayern can win every trophy.”
“The hunger for titles here at the club was key in my decision. I hope I can bring my experience to help the team.”
Hasan Salihamidzic, the Bayern Sporting Director, greeted the newcomer in a statement posted on the team’s website:
“We’re delighted that Daley is joining our team. Daley is a versatile defender, capable of playing on the left or in the centre. He has great international experience and leadership qualities. I’m sure he’ll help us.”
Blind has received 99 caps for the Netherlands and has participated in all five of the team’s games during the World Cup in Qatar. He scored in the Netherlands’ Round of 16 win over the United States.
Blind, who progressed through the Ajax youth before playing 333 games with the senior team, has won the Dutch Cup twice and the Eredivisie seven times.
Additionally, he spent four years at Manchester United, where he won the League Cup, FA Cup, and Europa League. According to the German tabloid “Bild,” Blind, who performs while wearing a heart defibrillator, had a checkup on Thursday morning at Munich’s Barmherzige Brueder Hospital. Blind has played in midfield, defense, and on the wings throughout his career, showcasing his versatility.
Bayern is searching for more defense coverage, especially after left back Lucas Hernandez suffered an ACL injury while representing France at the World Cup. Blind and the rest of the Bayern team are scheduled to depart for Doha on Friday to travel there for the team’s winter training camp.
On January 20, Bayern will resume their Bundesliga season at RB Leipzig, and on February 14, they will face French champions Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16 of the Champions League.
