Sustained success, revenue generation, and a fanbase that spans the farthest reaches of the globe — these markers separate an average team from Bayern Munich. Therefore, Die Rekordmeister attracts footballing talent to Munich the way a bright light draws a swarm of insects. Committing that talent to pen and paper is, however, a different story.
But how complex can bringing a player to an elite side like Bayern be? Surprisingly, very. Max Eberl knows the nuances of signing players better than anyone
else — it is his job, after all. He doesn’t point out a player he likes, get out his wallet and pay. No, this isn’t as simple as breaking out the piggy bank, walking into a toy store, and picking out the one you like. Eberl needs permission from mom and dad.
“First, I talk to Vinnie and Christoph about the player, and then in discussions with Jan (Dreesen), the financial aspect comes into play,” the Bayern board member for sport explained (as captured by @iMiaSanMia). “Furthermore, I talk to the supervisory board, including Herbert Hainer, Uli, and Kalle, who inevitably get involved when the sums of money get bigger. Discussions with them are simply “FC Bayern.” They want what’s best for the club. Just like me.”
To ink one player, Eberl must coordinate six times the amount of people — seven including himself. Now consider the fact that all seven party members need be on the same page, and that’s not even taking the financial aspect into account. It’s no wonder transfers take so long to complete.
Transfers are complex. They are mechanisms powered by hundreds of gears that differ in shape and size, but all fit together. One bad fit, missing, or damaged cog, and the whole mechanism collapses. Think about that the next time you feel impatient when Bayern are in the process of signing a player.
