FC Bayern's sporting director Max Eberl provided insights into contract negotiations with key players like Manuel Neuer, Serge Gnabry, and Dayot Upamecano in an interview. He remains relaxed about Neuer and plans talks only at the end of the season. Progress is visible with Gnabry, while the focus is on Upamecano.
FC Bayern Munich's sporting director Max Eberl shed light on the club's staffing plans in an interview with "Bild Sport" on Welt TV. The contracts of goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, winger Serge Gnabry, and center-back Dayot Upamecano all expire at the end of the season.
On Neuer, who turns 40 in March, Eberl was relaxed: "Manu will be 40 in March," he said. "That doesn't mean we're extending the contract the next day." He emphasized that Neuer's performances are "really world-class" and the keeper currently shows no signs that his body is no longer ready for professional football. Nevertheless, they want to take their time: "Take it completely relaxed" and sit down "at the end of the season, April, May." This hasn't happened yet. In retrospect, Eberl considered the extension to 2026 "exactly the right decision" and advocates waiting.
For 30-year-old Gnabry, Eberl sees "light at the end of the tunnel," but "not yet to the point where I can say anything here." The main focus is currently on the extensions with Gnabry and 27-year-old Upamecano. On possible next steps, such as interest in defender Nico Schlotterbeck from Borussia Dortmund, Eberl made it clear: "The first step has to work." The focus remains on the current negotiations.
These updates highlight Bayern's strategy of not rushing with key performers but making well-founded decisions.
