Max Eberl’s contract with FC Bayern is set to expire in 2027. Despite two significant successful acquisitions, an extension is reportedly not a foregone conclusion, and there are alleged reasons for this uncertainty.
According to Sport1, Eberl is internally criticized for allowing himself to be «too easily swayed by advisors» during contract negotiations. The sporting director is accused of adopting too much of a «conciliatory approach» instead of exhibiting «a certain toughness.» The report indicates an internal sentiment that this has led to «unnecessarily expensive contract completions» and has even «damaged the club’s reputation.»
Since taking office, Eberl has managed to secure long-term contracts for key players such as Joshua Kimmich, Alphonso Davies, Dayot Upamecano, and Jamal Musiala. However, these extensions have been accompanied by substantial salary increases for the players. Davies’ situation, in particular, has become a sensitive issue given his recurring injury problems. Shortly after his contract extension, the Canadian suffered a cruciate ligament tear and has struggled to regain his form. He is currently dealing with another muscle injury, his third since returning in February. «This is naturally very bitter, especially for him and for us too,» stated sporting director Christoph Freund recently. «He never really got into a rhythm. It naturally hurts, and it’s naturally a difficult phase for him mentally right now.»
Even before the costly contract renewals of key players, Eberl reportedly faced challenges at the German record champions. Honorary president Uli Hoeneß, for instance, openly admitted in the autumn of last year that there were internal frictions with Eberl, describing him as «quite sensitive» in discussions.
The directive to loan players, issued by the club patron and influential supervisory board member at the end of the last transfer summer, was also widely discussed in public. While Eberl had anticipated being able to make a major signing following the sale of Kingsley Coman, which reportedly surprised the club leadership, Hoeneß publicly advocated for only signing players on loan. Eberl complied and ultimately secured Nicolas Jackson from FC Chelsea for a record loan fee of 16.5 million euros.
Uli Hoeneß Highlights Max Eberl’s Role in Kompany and Michael Olise Signings
Despite certain internal disagreements, Hoeneß recently emphasized Eberl’s significant contribution to FC Bayern’s successful season. According to Hoeneß, it was Eberl who, after numerous rejections in the search for a coach, strongly advocated internally for the signing of Vincent Kompany and ultimately took responsibility for it.
The same applies, according to Hoeneß, to the signing of Michael Olise. The winger joined from Crystal Palace in July 2024 for 53 million euros and rapidly developed into one of Europe’s top offensive players. In 105 games for the Munich club, he has already scored 42 goals and provided 53 assists.
«Michael Olise is a signing, that must be said clearly, that goes back to Max. He basically made this decision on his own responsibility because we didn’t know the player beforehand. We said we couldn’t really say anything about it. But when you are so convinced – and Christoph Freund was also involved, as was the respective coach, although Vincent wasn’t here at the time as far as I know – then you have to accept it,» Hoeneß told DAZN recently.
Eberl Appears Relaxed at FC Bayern: «Then I’m also willing to stay longer»
On Monday, the supervisory board, including chairman Herbert Hainer, Hoeneß, and former CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, will convene at the Allianz Arena. Their tasks include evaluating the work of the executive board. Not only Eberl but also CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen will be under scrutiny.
Both their contracts expire in 2027, as does that of sporting director Christoph Freund. Unlike Eberl, an extension for Dreesen, at least, is reportedly considered «a formality» by Sport1. Eberl, however, is to be given the opportunity «to prove himself in the upcoming transfer summer.» According to kicker, the supervisory board intends to discuss the future of the 52-year-old at a meeting in May. Meanwhile, the AZ reports that Freund’s future «remains open.» The trade magazine recently claimed that the relationship between Freund and Eberl is not ideal, describing it as a kind of «forced marriage.»
Eberl himself has recently appeared relaxed regarding his contract, which expires in 2027. «I believe we have initiated very, very good things. I feel very, very comfortable,» he said to DAZN on the sidelines of the Champions League semi-final second leg against Paris Saint-Germain. «I have always said I want to do my job here. My job should be evaluated. If they think my job is good, then I am also willing to stay here at Bayern longer,» Eberl added.
Since his arrival, he has invested a lot of passion into the club, even though it is not always easy at a club like FC Bayern. «It wasn’t entirely easy because, of course, a few strong personalities clashed. But I believe that only that helps a big club like Bayern Munich, that you rub against each other, that you discuss with each other.»