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Max Eberl’s Bayern Return Raises Eyebrows Amid Transfer Turmoil

Pressure on Planning Trumps Tournament Focus

It was meant to be all about the Club World Cup. Bayern Munich’s sporting director Max Eberl said as much before the team’s opening game against Auckland City. “The tournament was the only thing that mattered for now,” he reportedly stated, vowing to prioritise squad planning only afterwards. Yet within days, Eberl withdrew from the tournament entirely, leaving many at Bayern and beyond questioning whether the priorities had shifted or if deeper problems were bubbling under the surface.

According to Kicker, the decision stemmed from one key objective: sorting out Bayern’s transfer business so the club wouldn’t endure another succession of managerial rejections like last year. “He was supposed to take care of the transfer business so that FC Bayern wouldn’t be stuck with one rejection after another in its search for a coach, as it was last year.”

That alone frames the pressure facing Eberl. Despite his public assurances, Bayern are scrambling behind the scenes. Top transfer targets are slipping from their grasp or leaning elsewhere, and fans can sense that old habits of reactive, late-window desperation may be repeating.

Williams, Wirtz and Warning Signs

The case of Nico Williams is particularly telling. The Athletic Club winger appears to favour a move to FC Barcelona, not Munich. “But now the pressure seems to be mounting, as Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams favors a move to FC Barcelona.” Bayern remain in contention only if Barça stumble financially. It’s a passive position for a club that prides itself on dominance in the transfer market.

What adds to the concern is a familiar echo: Florian Wirtz, the jewel of German football, slipped through their fingers. A sense of déjà vu lingers. Bayern are again in the queue, waiting for another club’s failure, rather than controlling their own destiny.

Gittens and Gakpo on Eberl’s Radar

According to Kicker, Max Eberl is in talks with Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Bynoe-Gittens. Chelsea are also interested, and a potential transfer fee of €60 million or more is being discussed. “Is the Bayern boss now serious about the BVB player, who is said to be in negotiations with Chelsea? A transfer fee of around 60 million euros—or even more—is said to be on the table.”

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Meanwhile, Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo is drawing scepticism from Bayern’s hierarchy. Despite his tactical versatility and World Cup pedigree, a fee of around €70 million appears steep to some in Munich. “Gakpo, however, has skeptics. Among other things, they argue that the transfer fee of around €70 million doesn’t seem to be worth the money.”

Tensions also linger from previous transfer dealings. “Bayern Munich would be reluctant to transfer large sums of money to the club that snatched Florian Wirtz away from them – with significantly better arguments.”

Shortlist Shrinks, Stakes Rise

Milan’s Rafael Leão, supported by several within Bayern’s structure, might be the most exciting name on the list. There is speculation that Min-Jae Kim could be used as a makeweight in a potential deal.

Bradley Barcola of PSG is admired, though his availability remains unclear. Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma, despite Premier League consistency, hasn’t fully convinced Bayern decision-makers. “Mitoma and Gakpo are skeptical about Bayern. Will Leao be hot on the back?”

Eberl’s assignment isn’t just about recruitment. Outgoings are essential. “Eberl is now expected to actively seek a left winger, but, and this is even more crucial, he must first and foremost sell players.”

The transfer window does not open until 1 July, but preparatory work is expected to be well underway. So far, the signs are mixed.

Mixed Messages, Mounting Pressure

Internally, the communication around Eberl’s departure has raised eyebrows. Bayern coach Vincent Kompany said, “I don’t know exactly why he left.” Sporting director Christoph Freund added, “There was no particular reason. But we sat down and split up. There are some discussions to be had, and then he’ll be in European time. We think that’s a good fit right now.”

Jonathan Tah noted, “No, he’ll probably be back,” when asked whether Eberl said goodbye to the squad.

Eberl has been brought in to restore Bayern’s reputation in the market. That means ensuring top players choose Munich over London, Liverpool or Barcelona. The challenge is vast. Bayern must act swiftly, boldly and decisively—or risk enduring another summer of high-profile rejection.

Our View – EPL Index

This doesn’t exactly scream elite-level planning from one of Europe’s top clubs. From a Premier League fan’s point of view, it’s puzzling how Bayern Munich, with all their financial clout and history, are getting muscled out of deals by rivals like Barcelona, who themselves are rumoured to be struggling with financial fair play.

As a Liverpool supporter, it’s laughable to think Bayern would seriously go after Cody Gakpo with reluctance to pay a fair fee, especially after how we wrapped up the Wirtz situation. If they’re still bitter about that, maybe they should look inward instead of turning their nose up at Premier League prices.

Mitoma? Gakpo? Leao? There’s no real pattern. It feels like Bayern are panic-shopping at a luxury boutique with a vague wishlist.

Eberl returning mid-tournament is telling. It signals disarray. For a club so proud of its efficiency, this scattergun approach is unusual. And while Eberl might have big plans, right now it seems Bayern are lacking both conviction and control.

If this carries on, don’t be surprised to see more Bundesliga stars choosing Premier League lights over Allianz Arena prestige.