Max Eberl’s contract extension with FC Bayern was officially presented as a done deal. Behind the scenes, however, there were apparently far more discussions than initially reported. Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, in particular, had reservations. It has now come to light why the long-time CEO of the Munich club had doubts about Eberl.
The sports director’s contract was extended early through 2029. However, as BILD soccer editor Christian Falk reports, Rummenigge withheld his approval during the decisive vote by the supervisory board.
According to the report, eight of the nine members voted in favor of the extension. Rummenigge, who was the only supervisory board member not present in person and instead joined via video conference, abstained. The longtime Bayern boss has since confirmed himself that he did not approve Eberl’s new contract.
Rummenigge even considered voting “no”
Apparently, Rummenigge’s doubts were already known before the meeting. Bayern President Herbert Hainer is said to have therefore sought a phone conversation with his longtime colleague on the morning of the vote.
According to his own statement, Rummenigge even considered voting against the contract extension. Ultimately, he decided to abstain.
A major point of criticism is said to have been last summer’s transfer balance sheet. Bayern had hoped for significantly more, particularly on the sales side.
Rummenigge himself had recently stated publicly that João Palhinha, Sacha Boey, Bryan Zaragoza, and Alexander Nübel were actually supposed to be sold. “Together, we had expected a package that would bring in between 60 and 70 million euros. In the end, it brought in 20 million,” explained the 71-year-old.
The Munich club was unable to find a suitable buyer, particularly for Boey. For Rummenigge, the difference between the planned and actual transfer proceeds was apparently a reason to critically question Eberl’s work.
Only two more years for Eberl
The term of the new contract is also interesting in this context. Eberl was signed for only two more years, through 2029.
According to Falk, this is viewed internally as a compromise. Rummenigge’s concerns are said to have played a role in Eberl not receiving a longer-term contract.
Regardless of the internal discussions, the 53-year-old generally continues to enjoy strong support at the German record champions. Since taking office in March 2024, he has been responsible, together with sporting director Christoph Freund, for the Munich club’s sporting direction.
However, the contract extension process shows that there are indeed differing assessments of his work to date within Bayern’s leadership. Eberl is apparently being closely scrutinized, particularly when it comes to transfers and the financial planning of the roster.