Bayern squad deliberately trimmed – Eberl and Freund put faith in youth | OneFootball

The transfer summer was anything but ideal for FC Bayern. Desired players like Florian Wirtz or Nico Williams declined, other transfers fell through. Nevertheless, Munich deliberately chose to keep the squad small—with a clear strategy.

Actually, the squad was supposed to be set by the end of July. But it was only on deadline day that the signing of Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea was secured—on loan for 16.5 million euros. An important deal, after sporting director Max Eberl had previously sold Kingsley Coman to Al-Nassr for a comparatively low 30 million euros. A transfer that was not without controversy internally.

In addition to Jackson, only Luis Díaz, Jonathan Tah, and Tom Bischof joined the team. In contrast, there were eleven departures—from veterans like Thomas Müller, Leroy Sané, and Coman to talents such as Paul Wanner or Jonah Kusi-Asare. In the end, the squad was left with just 25 professionals—fewer than any other Bundesliga club.

Why Bayern is forgoing squad depth

Photo: IMAGO

At first glance, the squad appears dangerously thin. But the club leadership is pursuing a goal with this, as kicker reports: talents are to get more playing time. Youngsters like Lennart Karl (17), Cassiano Kiala (16), and Wisdom Mike (16) are considered promising, and Jamal Musiala and Aleksandar Pavlovic are the best evidence that the path from the campus to the pros can work.

Sporting director Christoph Freund has already successfully implemented this model in Salzburg. Instead of signing veterans who block the way for young players, homegrown talents are to be given their chance. “We don’t want to block anyone,” is the internal motto.

Diaz and Jackson as immediate reinforcements

At the same time, targeted investments were made in quality: with Díaz, a winger arrived who recently did not play a central role in Liverpool, but is expected to be a regular in Munich. Jackson is supposed to relieve Harry Kane, harmonize with him as a strike duo, or, if necessary, move out wide. His physicality and eye for goal are expected to decide games—even if he still has to learn to channel his emotions better.

Eberl and Kompany originally had bigger names in mind. Wirtz chose Liverpool, Williams extended in Bilbao, Nick Woltemade moved to Newcastle. Christopher Nkunku and Jamie Gittens were also discussed, but neither received the green light. The result: Bayern had to rethink—and improvise at the last minute.

More tasks than before

IMAGO

That FC Bayern remains competitive on the pitch is undisputed. The squad is sufficient for the Bundesliga, but in Europe the gaps could weigh more heavily. Weaknesses exist especially at the full-back positions and in central midfield.

The leadership knows that the tasks have not decreased. On the contrary: by next summer at the latest, fundamental decisions are looming. Upamecano’s contract extension is unresolved, and further construction sites in the squad are foreseeable. Eberl himself spoke of contradictory expectations: to save money and at the same time sign players for 80 to 100 million.

One thing is clear: Bayern has deliberately forgone squad depth to promote talents. But the risk remains high—especially if injuries disrupt the plan.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.