Why did Nico Williams‘ transfer to FC Bayern not materialize? A secret data analysis apparently played a decisive role
FC Bayern deliberately decided against signing Nico Williams last summer – despite concrete talks. New details now show just how data-driven Munich’s transfer strategy has become
According to a report in Sport BILD, sporting director Max Eberl has been working with an external data company for around ten years, the identity of which is deliberately kept secret. According to the report, these analyses are used to closely examine potential new arrivals and compare them with a clearly defined requirements profile
According to the report, a meeting with his advisor Félix Tainta took place at Säbener Straße on 9 June, at which the player’s ideas were discussed
According to the report, Eberl came to the conclusion that the Williams‘ side was focusing heavily on financial aspects. In addition to an annual salary of around 22 million euros, there were mainly sporting reasons against a transfer
According to the report, the Spaniard’s defensive qualities in particular did not convince the Bayern management and Williams would have been a risk factor for coach Vincent Kompany’s very offensive-oriented system
Díaz instead of Williams – with success
Instead, FC Bayern focused on Luis Diaz. According to the report, the Colombian was a much better fit for the profile they were looking for, as he not only convinces offensively, but also works reliably defensively
According to the report, Eberl even organized a video call between Diaz and Kompany, during which the coach convinced the attacking player to move to Munich
The decision seems to have paid off: together with Michael Olise and Harry Kane, the attacking trio has scored over 100 goals in all competitions this season
Bayern are thus clearly pursuing a strategy in which not only names and market value are decisive – but above all data, game profile and system fit.