FC Bayern is currently setting an important course for the future. After CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen and sporting director Max Eberl were given new contracts through 2029, sporting director Christoph Freund is now also set to be tied to the German record champions for the long term. The Austrian is expected to sign a contract extension soon.
While Eberl’s future was the subject of months of discussion, the situation with Freund appears to be significantly less complicated. The 49-year-old apparently enjoys strong support within the club. There are reportedly no major doubts about their continued collaboration.
That said, Freund’s track record in Munich so far is by no means flawless. In particular, two transfers from the winter of 2023–24 did not pan out as hoped.
Freund’s approach is well-received at Bayern
Freund played a key role in the signings of Sacha Boey and Bryan Zaragoza. Neither has been able to meet expectations at the record-holding champions so far. After several loan spells, Zaragoza has since been loaned to Espanyol Barcelona. Boey’s future in Munich also remains a topic of discussion.
Nevertheless, Freund has faced significantly less criticism than Eberl. An important reason for this is said to be his work style.
“That’s because he’s a team player and is considered a calm individual. He doesn’t seek the limelight and—as we’ve heard—doesn’t try to undermine anyone,” explained SPORT1 chief reporter Stefan Kumberger on the podcast “Die Bayern-Woche.”
The Austrian’s reserved nature, in particular, seems to be well-received at Säbener Straße. Freund has been working behind the scenes since his move from Red Bull Salzburg in September 2023 and is regarded internally as a key member of the sports management team.
There had been reports of possible tensions between Freund and Eberl at one point. However, those reports were firmly denied by club officials. There is no longer any talk of a strained relationship between the two Bayern bosses.
A good rapport with Dreesen is a key factor
Another advantage for Freund is apparently his good relationship with CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen. The two are said to work closely together in an atmosphere of trust.
“Freund benefits from his good relationship with the CEO. They work well and closely together. As the man in charge of the numbers, Dreesen sits on FC Bayern’s treasure chest and must assess the financial requests from the sports management to ensure they make sense. So it’s not the worst thing when you get along well,” explained Kumberger.
In addition to his work in the transfer market, Freund is deeply involved in youth development and the development of the training campus. The increased focus on the club’s own talents, in particular, plays an important role in Munich’s current squad strategy.
It was only after the transfer window closed that Freund emphasized that Bayern had deliberately chosen not to make their roster too large. This is intended to give young players the opportunity to establish themselves on the first team.
By extending Freund’s contract—which currently runs through 2027—FC Bayern would now ensure long-term planning stability for him as well. Following Dreesen and Eberl, this would settle the next key personnel decision at the management level.