Bayern Munich director Max Eberl is bothered by the 'greed' in modern football. According to the executive of Der Rekordmeister, more and more money is flowing out of football through arrangements like the transfer of Kylian Mbappé.
"You can be very greedy now, but all that greed will be a nail in the coffin. If all the money flows away, there will be nothing left for us to live on," said Eberl, speaking with the Süddeutsche Zeitung about the future of football.
Eberl's comments reflect a growing concern among football executives about the sustainability of current financial practices in the sport.
Kylian Mbappé Transfer
Eberl highlighted Kylian Mbappé's transfer to Real Madrid as an example of the financial excesses plaguing the sport. The French international signed with Real Madrid as a free agent, yet the Spanish giants are reportedly still spending 150 million euros on the former Paris Saint-Germain top scorer's arrival. This massive expenditure, despite Mbappé being a free agent, underscores the out-of-control spending that Eberl believes is damaging the football industry.
"The money disappears from the market in this way, and no club benefits from it, only players, families, and advisors. Previously, the money stayed within the football ecosystem after transfers, but this will increasingly become less common," said Eberl. He expressed concern that such financial practices are draining resources from the sport and benefiting only a select few, rather than reinvesting in clubs and infrastructure.
Market Collapse Warning
Eberl foresees a potential collapse of the football market if the current trend of greed continues unchecked. "At some point, the bubble will burst, the football world will become oversaturated, and Saudi Arabia will step in. That doesn't feel good, I must honestly say, but that is the current market." His remarks suggest that an influx of money from sources outside traditional football markets, like Saudi Arabia, could lead to destabilization and further financial imbalances in the sport.
Contradictions and Realities
Despite his criticisms, Eberl acknowledges the contradictory position Bayern Munich finds itself in, as the club also engages in significant transfer spending. For example, Harry Kane joined Bayern from Tottenham Hotspur for one hundred million euros a year ago, a move that highlights the club's participation in the very market dynamics Eberl criticizes. Eberl, however, was not involved in that transfer.
"I won't be celebrated if we finish fifth, and of course, I want to be successful too. As the person ultimately responsible, I am definitely in a dilemma," concluded the director. This admission underscores the tension between the desire for success and the need for financial sustainability. Eberl's comments reflect a broader debate within football about how to balance competitiveness with responsible financial management.
In summary, Eberl's interview with the Süddeutsche Zeitung sheds light on the growing concerns about financial practices in football, the potential for market collapse, and the contradictions faced by clubs trying to navigate this challenging landscape. His candid remarks serve as a call to action for the football community to address these issues before they lead to a more significant crisis.
