Bosses are calling for a split! Eberl’s confidant faces the axe at FC Bayern | OneFootball

A major change could be on the horizon for FC Bayern’s scouting department. Chief scout Nils Schmadtke appears to be on his way out—and his future is reportedly even linked to Max Eberl’s contract extension.

While much at FC Bayern points toward a contract extension for Max Eberl, one of his close confidants may have to leave the club. Nils Schmadtke, chief scout for the German record champions since fall 2024, is apparently under immense internal pressure.

According to tz, Eberl was recently even told that he would have to part ways with Schmadtke. Reportedly, this personnel decision is one of the conditions tied to the planned contract extension for the sporting director. Eberl’s current contract runs through 2027.

Schmadtke arrived in Munich just under two years ago and subsequently implemented major changes in the scouting department. Among other things, the 37-year-old placed greater emphasis on live scouting and had potential new signings closely monitored on site. However, this approach is said to involve high costs and considerable organizational effort.

Vivell as a Possible Successor to Schmadtke

According to the report, Schmadtke’s track record is viewed critically within the club. In particular, there have been no surprising discoveries so far—players signed for comparatively low transfer fees who subsequently made a big impact at FC Bayern. Furthermore, his demeanor is said to have drawn occasional criticism.

The situation is particularly explosive due to his close connection to Eberl. The two have known each other since their time together at Borussia Mönchengladbach. Schmadtke worked there as a scout between 2019 and 2020, while Eberl was in charge of sports operations for the “Foals.” Their connection actually goes back even further: When Schmadtke once played for Gladbach’s U19 team, Eberl worked as the club’s youth development coordinator.

The two eventually reunited at FC Bayern. Now, however, their collaboration could come to a premature end. It wouldn’t be the first time one of Eberl’s trusted associates has had to leave the club. Just a few months ago, the record champions parted ways with Markus Weinzierl, who had previously served as sporting director at the club’s training campus.

Photo: IMAGO

The Munich club is apparently already considering potential successors. According to the report, Christopher Vivell is among the candidates. The 39-year-old currently serves as head of the scouting department at Manchester United, where he is under contract through 2027.

Vivell brings extensive experience from various top European clubs. Before joining Manchester United, he worked for Chelsea, RB Leipzig, TSG Hoffenheim, and Red Bull Salzburg, among others.

His time in Salzburg, in particular, could be of interest to FC Bayern. There, Vivell previously worked alongside Bayern’s sporting director, Christoph Freund. The two are said to hold each other in high regard, both personally and professionally. As early as 2023, Vivell was linked with a move to Munich.

Now, this possibility could be back on the table. Should FC Bayern indeed part ways with Schmadtke, Vivell would apparently be a concrete option to fill this key position.