The debate surrounding Jamal Musiala’s multi-million contract with FC Bayern is heating up. It has now come to light that the star forward’s costly contract extension has been the subject of internal discussions for quite some time. Sports director Max Eberl has apparently also faced criticism as a result.
Musiala had extended his contract with the German record champions early in February 2025, running through 2030. According to media reports, the 23-year-old can earn up to 30 million euros annually, including bonus payments. In light of his ongoing health issues, there is now increasing discussion about the relationship between his salary and his on-field performance.
Most recently, Uli Hoeneß caused quite a stir with his public comments about Musiala. The honorary president expressed doubts as to whether the national team player would ever be able to return to his former level of performance. On the Sky podcast “Mia san vier,” Kerry Hau provides further insight into the tense situation.
Eberl came under pressure because of Musiala and Davies
According to information from the Sky reporter, Musiala’s contract has long been a point of contention within the club. “It’s a political issue internally, ever since the contract extension,” Hau said.
According to Hau, critical voices were heard at Säbener Straße immediately after the contract was signed. “Right away, there were voices saying it’s too expensive. We extended his contract at too high a price, ”the journalist reported.
The criticism was apparently also directed at sporting director Max Eberl. “That’s why Eberl has also faced internal criticism,” Hau emphasized. The issue wasn’t exclusively about Musiala, but also about the equally costly contract extension with Alphonso Davies.
Hau pointed out, however, that both players were in high demand at top European clubs at the time of their contract extensions. Bayern had to dig deep into their pockets to retain their key players for the long term.
Musiala earns significantly less
Hau also revealed interesting details about the actual amount of Musiala’s salary. According to him, the rumored 30 million euros is by no means guaranteed.
According to the Sky reporter, the contracts at FC Bayern include performance-based components. Musiala would therefore have to play in between 80 and 90 percent of all matches to actually reach the sum that has been publicly discussed.
Due to his numerous absences, this requirement is not currently being met. Consequently, his actual income is below the widely reported 30 million euros.
For Hau, the subsequent criticism of the contract extension is therefore only partially understandable. After all, Bayern deliberately entered into the contract and accepted the financial terms.
Hoeneß’s recent statements are likely to further fuel internal discussions, however. While Musiala is working intensively on his comeback, the transfer and contract policies of Max Eberl at the time are once again in the spotlight.