Why Eric Dier rejected Bayern contract offer in favour of Monaco free transfer

Eric Dier’s time at Bayern Munich looks set to come to an end in 2025.

The England international, formerly of Tottenham Hotspur (like teammate Harry Kane), has reportedly decided on a change of scenery.

French outlet L’Équipe claimed on Monday that the versatile defender will join AS Monaco once his contract expires in the summer.

The reports from France are true! The Ligue 1 outfit is said to be keen to bolster the experience available in their squad.

The Monegasques find themselves in fourth place in the French top-flight, a point outside the Champions League spots.

Bayern tried to keep Eric Dier

Despite Eric Dier not being considered an “untouchable” in Munich, the Bundesliga leaders were prepared to keep hold of the 31-year-old.

Bayern also made an offer of a new contract, but the Englishman decided on Monaco.

He would have only received a year-long contract extension (until 2026) in Munich. The offer with Monaco is until 2027. Dier also expects more playing time with Adi Hütter’s side.

That said, he regrets the fact that he will have to leave behind his friend and former Spurs colleague Harry Kane.

Defensive reinforcements needed

Eric Dier may not be considered an automatic first-choice option in the centre of defence. But there’s no question his looming exit places even greater pressure on Bayern ahead of the window.

Defensive reinforcements were already considered a must ahead of his decision in favour of Monaco. For instance, Vincent Kompany’s side is in clear need of a defensive leader (like Jonathan Tah).

However, persistent injuries in the backline have identified a further need for Christoph Freund to identify additional reinforcements.

Dier’s exit has only made this need more pressing, given how much Bayern have relied on his availability in the second half of the 2024/25 season.

Since January 11, the centre-back has started 12 out of 16 Bundesliga fixtures amid Dayot Upamecano’s ongoing injury-enforced absence.

Bayern have their eye on Jonathan Tah

Bayern are still keeping close watch on Jonathan Tah. The Bayer Leverkusen defender is still set to become a free agent this summer.

A prospective transfer to FC Barcelona is not a done deal yet, as the Spanish giants will have problems registering him.

Both sides would like to get the deal done, but it will be difficult to see it through.