Bayern Munich: Max Eberl and Christoph Freund to work in tandem on transfers

Bayern Munich finally confirmed the appointment of Max Eberl as the director of sport at the board level. Eberl has been heavily linked with a move to Bayern since the start of the season. After he departed from RB Leipzig midway through the season, it was certain that he would join Die Roten.

The Bavarian club has paid a compensation fee to RB Leipzig for Eberl. The former Bayern defender will begin his term on March 1. He is expected to be heavily involved in the squad planning and other sporting decisions at Bayern.

Eberl did a fantastic job at Borussia Monchengladbach in the sporting director role. He was tipped to become Bayern’s sporting director in 2017, but the club decided to go ahead with Hasan Salihamidzic. Eberl had a brief stint at RB Leipzig in the technical director position after leaving Borussia Monchengladbach.

The arrival of Eberl did raise questions over the responsibilities of Max Freund. The Austrian sporting director arrived from RB Salzburg last summer to replace Salihamidzic. There were reports in Germany suggesting that Freund will focus on recruitment for youth teams, but it does look like there will be no change in the responsibilities of his position.

While talking to the media this week, Eberl clarified Freund’s role at Die Roten. They will work in tandem on transfers instead of having different responsibilities in the recruitment department. Freund also told Sky Sports that he is looking forward to working with Eberl. Bayern will massively benefit from the duo’s rich experience in the transfer market.

The first big task for Eberl will be to find the right coach who will replace Thomas Tuchel in the summer. After a run of three consecutive defeats two weeks ago, Bayern decided to part ways with Tuchel at the end of the season.

Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso is the top target for Bayern to fill the vacant coaching position at the end of the season. Eberl will spearhead the negotiations for the Spanish coach. It is going to be a stiff challenge to get Alonso since there is strong interest from Liverpool.

In terms of transfers, Freund and Eberl have a lot of work to do in the summer. The Bavarian club is planning an upheaval in the squad. Eberl will have to make some tough decisions regarding the future of senior players in the squad. The former German defender will also begin contract talks with players who have less than 18 months left on their contract.