Bayern signs Netherlands int’l Blind

MUNICH — Bayern Munich signed veteran Dutch defender Daley Blind to cover for the injured Lucas Hernandez.

Blind was a free agent after he was released by Ajax last week with six months left on his contract, and he joins German champion Bayern on a short-term deal until the end of the season after completing a medical examination in Munich.

“We´re delighted that Daley is joining our team,” Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzi´c said. “Daley is a versatile defender. He has great international experience and leadership qualities. I´m sure he´ll help us.”

The 32-year-old Blind can play in the center of defense or at left-back, where he would provide cover for Hernandez, who is expected to miss several months after tearing a knee ligament in France’s opening 4-1 win over Australia at the World Cup.

Blind played for Manchester United between 2014-18, where he won the FA Cup and the Europa League, and has won seven Dutch titles over two spells at Ajax. He has played 99 times for the Netherlands, including all five of its games at the World Cup in Qatar.

Bayern said Blind will fly with the team to its winter training camp in Doha, Qatar.

“I can hardly wait to play here,” Blind was quoted by Bayern as saying according to AP.

“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.”

“Daley is a flexible defender, he can play on the left side as well as inside,” FCB sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic noted in a statement accompanying the signing published on the club’s website, He has great international experience and leadership qualities. I am sure he will help us.”

“I can hardly wait to play here,” Blind himself added. “We’re now entering the most important part of the season, where the titles are at stake – and a club like FC Bayern can win any trophy.

“The hunger for titles here at the club was crucial to my decision. I hope I can use my experience to help the team and will give everything for Bayern Munich.”

Bayern will also play a friendly against RB Salzburg after returning from Doha. The Bundesliga campaign for Die Roten will resume on January 20 against RB Leipzig.