Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl has held discussions with Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad regarding a potential move to become their new sporting director, according to reports. The news emerges amid ongoing speculation surrounding Eberl’s long-term future at the Bundesliga champions.
Arriyadiyah, a Saudi Arabian newspaper, claims that Al-Ittihad initiated contact with Eberl to explore the possibility of him taking on the key role at the Jeddah-based club. However, the report indicates that negotiations have reached an impasse due to disagreements concerning the club’s overall sporting strategy. Details of any potential financial package were not disclosed.
Eberl arrived at Bayern in February 2024, succeeding Hasan Salihamidžić, and is currently contracted to the club until 2027. Prior to his appointment, he spent over a decade at Borussia Mönchengladbach, initially as a scout before rising through the ranks to become sporting director. His tenure at Gladbach was largely successful, overseeing a period of consistent European qualification while building a reputation for astute recruitment.
Despite publicly stating his openness to a contract extension with Bayern, Eberl’s position is not entirely secure. Reports within Germany suggest that elements of his work have faced scrutiny from the club’s supervisory board, raising questions about his long-term prospects in Munich. Eberl’s arrival coincided with a period of upheaval at Bayern, with the club ultimately missing out on the Bundesliga title for the first time in eleven years.
Al-Ittihad, meanwhile, are seeking to bolster their sporting structure following a period of significant investment in players. The club, winners of the Saudi Pro League in 2023, have attracted several high-profile names to the league, including Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kanté, and are keen to establish themselves as a dominant force in Asian football. Should Eberl take the role, he would be tasked with overseeing the continued development of the club’s playing squad and establishing a sustainable sporting model.
The stalled talks suggest Eberl remains focused on his role at Bayern for the time being, but the interest from Al-Ittihad highlights his growing reputation as a respected figure in European football. The situation could evolve depending on Bayern’s performance next season and the club’s assessment of Eberl’s contribution.
