In recent weeks, FC Bayern has made key decisions regarding its leadership. The contracts of sporting director Max Eberl and CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen have each been extended through 2029. Now, the focus is on the future of sporting director Christoph Freund.
The 49-year-old’s current contract runs through the summer of 2027. Discussions about extending his tenure have been underway for some time. Although an agreement has not yet been officially announced, there seems to be little doubt within the club that Freund will remain in Munich beyond 2027.
Bayern President Herbert Hainer expressed corresponding optimism on Monday evening on the sidelines of the ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the basketball division. “The board is working on it, and I am very confident that Christoph Freund will extend his contract,” the 72-year-old explained.
This further strengthens indications that the next major personnel decision at the record-holding champion could be imminent.
Eberl and Dreesen also expect Freund to stay
Max Eberl had already hinted recently that he isn’t overly concerned about the future of his close colleague. “I know what will happen. No one needs to worry,” the sports director said.
Eberl declined to comment further on reports suggesting that Freund himself was still in a “period of reflection.” However, his statement left little doubt that he expects the talks to have a positive outcome.
Jan-Christian Dreesen made similar comments after the 5-0 Champions League victory over Bodø/Glimt. “We’ve always said that we first want to extend the contracts of the two executive directors. And that we’ll then, of course, talk to Christoph—which is exactly what we’re doing. That’s why I’m very hopeful that we’ll be able to resolve this outstanding issue in the near future.”
Following the contract extensions with Eberl and Dreesen, a new agreement with Freund would thus be the next step toward ensuring long-term planning stability at the sporting and financial management levels.
Freund Plays an Important Role at Bayern
The Austrian has been working for FC Bayern since 2023. Freund is primarily responsible, together with Eberl, for the sporting squad planning and the execution of transfers. In addition, he plays an important role in fostering the connection between the first team and the youth academy.
Most recently, Eberl had already firmly rejected speculation about alleged problems in his working relationship with Freund. The sporting director dismissed such reports as “bullshit!” and emphasized that the two work very well together.
Even back then, Eberl made it clear how he sees his colleague’s future: “His contract extension is something that should be handled quickly and quietly. For me, there’s no question as to whether his contract will be extended or not.”
Now Hainer is echoing that sentiment. The official signature is still pending, but the message from Bayern’s leadership is clear: Following Eberl and Dreesen, Freund is also set to remain part of Munich’s executive team for the long term.