Max Eberl has attracted interest from Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad, with the Arabian Sports newspaper Arriyadiyah reporting that talks have already taken place between the club and Bayern Munich's sporting director. The 52-year-old, who joined the German record champions in March 2024, has emerged as a target for the Saudi champions looking to overhaul their sporting structure. However, negotiations have stalled over differing visions for the club's future direction.
Eberl's position at Bayern remains uncertain despite his contract running until 2027. The club's supervisory board plans to conduct a comprehensive review of the entire management team at a late-May meeting, raising questions about his long-term future in Munich. "I've always said I want to do my job here. People should evaluate my work," Eberl recently told DAZN, signalling his willingness to remain if backed by the board. Yet mounting internal tensions threaten to undermine his tenure, with recent reports suggesting a deteriorating relationship with fellow executive Christoph Freund.
Internal Friction and Leadership Scrutiny
Despite early criticism over squad planning, Eberl has rehabilitated his standing through shrewd acquisitions including Michael Olise and Luis Diaz, both of whom have impressed since arriving. However, Sport1 has revealed internal criticism regarding his approach to contract negotiations, with some accusing him of being overly influenced by agents and too accommodating at the bargaining table. Critics within the club contend his perceived softness has inflated transfer costs and weakened Bayern's negotiating power in the market.
The reported rift between Eberl and Freund has widened considerably, with sources describing their partnership as a "forced marriage" rather than the harmonious collaboration the club hoped to establish. Bayern's supervisory board review in late May will prove pivotal in determining whether Eberl continues to shape the club's sporting direction or whether Al-Ittihad's interest signals the beginning of the end for his Munich chapter.
Kane Praised While Weinzierl Eyes Swiss Move
In brighter news for the Bavarian giants, Chelsea striker Joao Pedro has lavished praise on Harry Kane, calling him an "exceptional player" capable of winning the Ballon d'Or. Pedro, who faced Kane during his Premier League days, believes the English forward's Bayern performances demonstrate world-class quality that could soon earn him football's most prestigious individual honour.
Meanwhile, Markus Weinzierl, who recently departed his role as Bayern's youth academy sporting director, is poised to take charge at Swiss Super League side FC Lucerne. According to Swiss newspaper Blick, talks have already progressed between Weinzierl and the club, with Mario Frick set to step down at season's end. Weinzierl's contract at Bayern was mutually terminated, concluding a brief eight-month tenure that began in August 2024.
