After the Upamecano saga: Bayern patron Hoeneß declares war on advisors | OneFootball

The contract poker surrounding Dayot Upamecano has not only raised sporting questions at FC Bayern, but has also triggered a fundamental debate. Uli Hoeneß is now using the stage to make a clear statement – and is addressing it directly to the player’s advisors

In an interview with BILD, the honorary president made it clear that he was „appalled“ by the latest developments. Hoeneß did not want to comment on specific figures for Upamecano’s new contract – an annual salary of around €20 million, hand money in the region of just under €20 million and an exit clause for 2027 – but it was clear between the lines how much he was disturbed by the dynamics of the negotiations

„We have discussed the entire contract internally over the past few days,“ Hoeneß explained. Together with Herbert Hainer, Max Eberl, Jan-Christian Dreesen and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, they all agreed: „We will put this whole consultant issue up for discussion.“

„They earn far too much money“

Hoeneß‘ criticism is directed above all at what he sees as excessive demands. „Their contribution is increasingly out of proportion to their remuneration,“ he said with regard to the consultants. In some cases, it „doesn’t go beyond three lunches with us“ – yet sums are being demanded that are no longer in any healthy proportion

The 74-year-old was particularly clear on the subject of hand money. In the case of Upamecano, he felt that advisors either wanted to push up the price at FC Bayern or force a move to another club – and still expected a high payment from the club in return. „That is a contradiction in terms that we should no longer accept,“ said Hoeneß

Bayern wants to say „no“ more often

photo: IMAGO

When asked what levers the club has to curb this development, Hoeneß formulated a clear strategy: „We will say ’no‘ more often and not go along with this madness.“

In extreme cases, a player could also be told in no uncertain terms: „If your advisor continues to negotiate so outrageously, we will no longer talk to him about your future with us.“

He went even further with a possible next step: FC Bayern is considering putting advisors who, in the club’s view, behave unfairly on an internal list in future. „Then we would say that we will no longer sign players he represents.“

Hoeneß sees the fact that the club withdrew the offer in the Upamecano case in writing in the meantime and only presented it again after the player had made a clear commitment as a signal effect. The „no“ had an effect in the end. And it is precisely this word that should be used more frequently in future

The power struggle between clubs and advisors is thus coming to a head – and FC Bayern is positioning itself clearly.