Plenty of talks, few deals: Bayern Munich adopt new transfer strategy | OneFootball

This summer, FC Bayern has broken new ground not only on the pitch but also behind the scenes. While former officials like Karl-Heinz Rummenigge or Uli Hoeneß traditionally set a clear top target that was to be pursued at all costs, sporting director Max Eberl is taking a different approach.

As transfer expert Christian Falk reports, Bayern is now systematically working with so-called shortlists – that is, selection lists for each position. This is one reason why the Munich club was linked with numerous players during the last transfer window, but in the end “only” signed four players.

An example of this is the search for reinforcements on the wings. At the top of the list was Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao. Behind him were Jamie Bynoe-Gittens from Borussia Dortmund and finally Luis Diaz from Liverpool FC, who was ultimately signed for 70 million euros. But the list did not end with the Colombian.

Cody Gakpo himself confirmed that there were talks with Bayern. Malick Fofana from Olympique Lyon was also available as a possible option in case the Diaz deal fell through. Amine Gouiri from Olympique Marseille was also monitored. This broad approach shows that FCB remains flexible if a primary target cannot be realized.

Loan requirement made the transfer summer complicated

Photo: IMAGO

Eberl also created a list for the midfield. Xavi Simons and Christopher Nkunku were considered, but due to their situations were not available as loan players.

After the costly signing of Diaz, Bayern’s supervisory board decided to strengthen the squad only with loans. This requirement did not make Eberl’s job any easier in the final phase. It was only on deadline day that the last-minute deal with Nicolas Jackson could be completed.

Especially interesting: at the weekend, Bayern will face HSV – and thus also Fabio Vieira. The Portuguese player is on loan from Arsenal and was also offered to FCB. After internal discussions, however, it was decided that he did not have the necessary level for Munich. It was a similar case with Marco Asensio. The then PSG professional was brought into the conversation, but his salary demands were considered too high.

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