Bayern Munich complete surprise signing of former Manchester United defender Daley Blind after mutually terminating his Ajax contract

Bayern Munich have completed a surprise deal to sign former Manchester United defender Daley Blind, following his exit from Ajax last week.

The 32-year-old mutually agreed to terminate his contract with the Dutch giants despite having six months left to run on the deal.

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His exit brought the curtain down on a glittering second spell with the Amsterdam club, helping them lift the Eredivisie title in 2019, 2021 and 2022.

He departed the club he joined as an eight-year-old having made 333 senior appearances across two spells in Amsterdam.

Speaking on his departure, Ajax chief executive Edwin van der Sar said: “I hope he can find another club to end his successful career with. Together with Daley, we have decided on a match in the Arena where he can say a proper goodbye to the supporters."

But Blind’s wait to find a new club was a brief one, with Bundesliga champions Bayern moving quickly to tie up a deal for the Dutchman.

He has signed a short-term contract until the end of the season.

"We are very happy that Daley is joining our team," Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic said.

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"Daley is a flexible defender who can play on the left as well as inside.

"He has extensive international experience and leadership qualities. I'm sure he will help us."

Blind joined Manchester United in 2014 and helped them lift the FA Cup in 2016 and Europa League and EFL Cup a year later.

He departed Old Trafford in 2018 and returned to boyhood club Ajax, making 231 appearances during his second stint.

"I can't wait to play here," he said following his arrival at Bayern.

"We are now facing the most important part of the season, which is about the titles - and a club like Bayern can win any trophy.

"The hunger for titles in the club was decisive for my decision. I hope I can use my experience to help the team and I will give my all for Bayern Munich."

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In 2020, Blind collapsed during a pre-season friendly and was later diagnosed with heart muscle inflammation.

He was subsequently fitted with an S-ICD [Subcutaneous Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator] which is prescribed for patients perceived to be at risk of sudden cardiac death.

Blind was a part of Louis van Gaal’s 26-man squad for the World Cup in Qatar, playing almost every minute of the Netherlands’ surge to the quarter-finals.