Bayern’s injury crisis sparks bold transfer gamble | OneFootball

Bayern Munich’s summer has been marked by key injuries and a cautious approach in the transfer market, with the club prioritising squad stability over panic buys, according to statements and reporting from Bavarian Football Works.

Following Jamal Musiala’s serious injury in the defeat to Paris Saint-Germain at the FIFA Club World Cup, sporting director Max Eberl has sought to calm speculation around an urgent search for replacements. As Eberl explained, “We don’t have to react and sign a player after every injury. We want to make some adjustments and hopefully the injured players (Alphonso Davies, Jamal Musiala, Hiroki Itō) are back in October/November and towards the end of the first half of the season.” He emphasised that most incidents in the current injury crisis have been “freak injuries and not regular muscle injuries,” pushing back on the idea of overhauling the squad or making hasty signings.

Eberl suggested that the club’s transfer planning is informed by lessons from last season but stressed confidence in the squad’s quality when at full strength: “If we had a full squad, we have the feeling that we would’ve beaten Inter and advanced further. The quality that we missed on the pitch [due to injuries] hurt us.”

While Eberl is under scrutiny, club president Herbert Hainer has called for patience as the window remains open. In comments captured by Sport Bild, Hainer said, “We’re currently in the middle of the transfer window. It’s well known that we want to strengthen our attack. We have to see what’s possible. And therefore, I say clearly: The sporting management should do their work in peace.” Hainer added that the assessment of Eberl’s work would only come after the transfer period closes and reminded observers that sporting directors are not judged solely on transfers, particularly as finding quality reinforcements for Bayern’s already strong squad is challenging.

CEO Jan Christian Dreesen has offered a more optimistic note regarding the team’s leadership and the work ahead under head coach Vincent Kompany. Dreesen said, “Vincent has such an incredibly positive charisma… He embodies a coach who listens, who answers questions, who also understands the issues. I am sure that with his work he will lay a great foundation for a successful future. Now it’s about putting the squad together well.”

With Musiala, Davies, and Itō all expected back no sooner than October or November, Bayern’s focus has shifted to internal solutions and strategic squad enhancements targeting the attack and possibly center back. However, club leadership appear intent on measured moves rather than reactive spending.

As Bayern assess whether to boost the first team or trust in existing depth during this challenging start, the transfer window’s final weeks will test both the sporting management’s resolve and the new coaching staff’s adaptability.

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