There have recently been numerous rumors about Bayern’s head scout, Nils Schmadtke, leaving the club. Max Eberl is now once again coming to the defense of his trusted colleague.
What’s next for Nils Schmadtke at FC Bayern? The chief scout’s future has been the subject of widespread speculation for several weeks. Several media outlets recently reported that the 37-year-old is viewed critically within the club and could be on his way out by the time his contract expires in the summer of 2027, at the latest.
Some reports even claimed that Bayern’s bosses had demanded that Max Eberl part ways with his longtime confidant. Schmadtke and the sporting director have known each other since their time together at Borussia Mönchengladbach. Schmadtke has been working as chief scout for the German record champions since October 2024.
Eberl had already dismissed reports of an imminent departure back in August and described the public discussion surrounding Schmadtke as exaggerated. Now the Bayern boss is following up.
In an interview with Sport BILD, Eberl was asked directly about the rumors suggesting that Schmadtke is on the verge of leaving FC Bayern.
Eberl speaks very highly of Schmadtke
Eberl wants nothing to do with claims that a separation has already been decided. Instead, he pointedly stood behind the chief scout: “The fact is: Nils still has a year left on his contract, and to me, he’s one of the best scouts and roster planners in Germany. That’s why we signed him in the first place.”
However, Eberl did not guarantee that their collaboration would continue beyond 2027. “We’ll discuss what happens after his contract expires,” explained the sporting director.
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Eberl, however, was clear regarding the media coverage of recent weeks: “But I didn’t think what was written about him in the media was right. We can’t just let that stand.”
Most recently, it had been reported, among other things, that there had been criticism within FC Bayern for months regarding the work of the scouting department. The team’s on-field performance isn’t the only factor at play. According to SPORT1, there were also internal suspicions that information about personnel planning from that department may have been leaked to the public.
There has also been speculation about possible successors. Christopher Vivell of Manchester United has been mentioned as a candidate. The 39-year-old knows Bayern’s sporting director, Christoph Freund, from their time together at Red Bull Salzburg.