The Exit of Müller and Bayern's Ambitious Summer Plans
FC Bayern anticipates rising expectations due to Eberl's remarks
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp E-Mail Print Copy Link The upcoming departure of Thomas Müller from FC Bayern has sparked a frenzy. Sports director Max Eberl is now clarifying the reason behind this decision, unintentionally setting high anticipations.
Max Eberl has learned from his blunder. In January, he acted impulsively and essentially gave Müller the reins to make his own decisions concerning his future at FC Bayern beyond the summer. As it turns out, things took a different course, and Eberl's January statement came back to bite him. "It wasn't that smart," he admitted on Sunday in "Doppelpass."
Eberl was there to explain why the icon, Müller, must say goodbye to the club, despite the player himself wanting to stay on. This was an unusual move, as Müller announced his plans independently and before the official club press release. Typically, such high-profile stories have a happy ending. The club attempted to salvage the situation as best as possible, for example, by releasing a photo commemorating Müller's contract extension for the Club World Cup. Many viewed the collective grin as mocking, but Eberl claimed that the idea for the photo originated from Müller. Can everything work out in the end? Only time will tell.
Football Eberl's Misstep: "Müller Was Disappointed and Pissed Off" Eberl made a statement on Sunday that could come back to haunt him. Unlike in January, he was more reserved in his reasoning for the decision against Müller, discussing the squad planning. "This is a decision for the future of FC Bayern," said the 51-year-old, setting lofty expectations: "I can't reveal everything we have planned for the summer. But if you look at the bigger picture of what we're planning, we've come to this decision - one that we don't expect accolades for."
So, what is happening in the summer? Who's on the way in? Who will replace Müller? Sports-wise, this question may no longer be as significant. However, Müller's impact on the team's dynamics is an entirely different story. His playing time has been decreasing, and his departure will disrupt the team's hierarchy. Ironically, his role might become more substantial once again due to Jamal Musiala's injury, with crucial matches against Inter Milan and Borussia Dortmund on the horizon.
Football This Parting Was Not in the Plans Thomas Müller Delivers a Cold Shoulder to FC Bayern Back to the topic. Will Florian Wirtz, the supposed dream player of the old Bayern legends Uli Hoeneß and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, join the team? The duo has been waxing lyrical about Wirtz, particularly around the Champions League games. This was the old game of the bosses: stirring up trouble among opponents, but also likely expressing genuine desires. In fact, the best players in the country have always aspired to be on Säbener Straße.
Max Eberl dismisses excessive rumors regarding the player for the time being: "The question isn't relevant at the moment. We have a few matters we're dealing with, some considerations, and a plan for the summer. We need to ensure that we get things done, and we will make transfers in the summer," he explained. However, Eberl confirmed that the legendary "fixed deposit account" of FC Bayern has, indeed, been drained. "I didn't see Wirtz as an assignment. I have a to-do list that's full, but not impossible to accomplish," Eberl concluded.
He did not want to address the criticism that he had not implemented the club's austerity measures after expensive contract extensions with key players like Musiala, Joshua Kimmich, and Alphonso Davies, and unfavorable transfers last summer. He pointed to a positive example of his work: "Michael Olise cost a lot of money. But if you consider it against an international comparison, then it wasn't that much money. He's good for the Bundesliga and has justified that investment. That's the kind of transfers we aim for in the summer."
The Inside Scoop on Bayern's Transfer Plan:
FC Bayern Munich has devised an extensive summer transfer plan, focusing on enhancing several key positions in anticipation of Thomas Müller's departure. Here's a glimpse of their strategy:
Prospective Recruits
- Central Defender: Bayern is keeping an eye on young talent, with Dean Huijsen at Bournemouth being one of the players they find interesting.[1]
- Midfielder: The club is determined to sign Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, recognizing his potential as a standout midfielder in Europe.[1]
- Wingers: Bayern aims to add one or two wingers to increase speed and depth, but they'll be facing tough competition from clubs like Inter Milan for top talent.[1][5] Notably, they are interested in Olympique Marseille's Luis Henrique.
- Backup Striker: A backup striker will be needed to relieve some pressure on Harry Kane. As of now, specific targets are yet to be identified.[1]
Filling the Void Left by Thomas Müller
With Müller set to leave Bayern Munich at the end of the season, as the club decided against renewing his contract due to his diminished role and high salary,[2][4] Bayern is preparing for a future without him.
Replacement Strategy:
- Domestic Talent: Bayern is placing a strong emphasis on cultivating young players like Jamal Musiala and Aleksandar Pavlović, which will help bridge gaps in the attacking midfield role.[3]
- Foreign Signings: With Müller's departure, the club might look to strengthen their attacking lineup further through summer signings, although specific targets for this position have not yet been released.
Overall, Bayern's strategy involves strengthening key positions while integrating young talent to maintain their competitiveness.
- Max Eberl acknowledged that the club's decision to let Thomas Müller depart after an extended stint with FC Bayern set high expectations for the club's ambitious summer plans.
- In the aftermath of Müller's departure, Eberl explained that FC Bayern is planning to fill the void in the attacking midfield with a combination of homegrown talent and potential foreign signings.
- Eberl mentioned that the club is considering Dean Huijsen and Florian Wirtz as prospective recruits, aiming to add depth to the midfield and strengthen the attacking lineup for the upcoming season.
