Bayern Munich have announced the signing of Juan Bernat from Valencia on a five-year deal. Bernat joins the Bundesliga champions for a reported €10m.
Bernat is Bayern’s 3rd signing of the summer, joining Robert Lewandowski and Sebastian Rode as the new men at the Allianz Arena. He is, however, the first to cost Bayern a transfer fee.
Bernat can play as a left-back, left-midfielder or left-winger. He had one-year left on his contract at Valencia and with a rumoured release-clause of €20m, Bayern would appear to have signed their man for a cut-price.
So what do you need to know about Bernat? Well, he is a product of Valencia’s infamous youth academy, which has produced the likes of David Silva, Juan Mata and Gaizka Mendieta. He's known for his quick turn of pace and dribbling skill. Despite only having 2 assists last season, Bernat is also known for his crossing ability.
Bernat made his debut in 2011 against Racing Santander and made 51 appearances for the Spanish side over 3 seasons. Starting out as a left-winger, Bernat has progressed himself to become a more defensive player. Much like David Alaba, he is now an attack-minded full-back. Bernat has also featured for the Spanish national team at all youth levels (U16s, U17s, U18s, U19s, U20s) and has made 6 appearances for the U21s.
The question now for Bayern Munich fans will be whether this signing means another defensive midfield experiment could be on the cards. Knowing David Alaba’s past and present as a midfielder both at club level, and now with the Austrian national team, could he be in line for the same role at Bayern Munich?
Bernat of course, could also be moulded by Bayern into the general left-sided player that he is developing to become; possibly replacing Franck Ribéry in the future? Playing in all 3 possible positions on the left-side would give him great credentials for more game time at the Allianz.