Kingsley Coman sale lands Bayern Munich director Max Eberl in trouble with club chiefs as Bundesliga champions struggle to find replacement

According to Suddeutsche Zeitung, Bayern's sporting director has created a major internal conflict with the club's supervisory board. Eberl made the decision to sell Coman to Al-Nassr, a move that was reportedly not sanctioned by the board. The club's leadership was surprised when Eberl then asked for a budget to find a replacement, as they believed he should have had a successor lined up as part of the overall transfer package. This disagreement signals a serious disconnect in the club's management structure as they attempt to balance financial books with on-field performance.

The sale of the winger comes amidst a broader mandate for Eberl to reduce Bayern's excessive wage bill, with Coman's salary reportedly around €17 million (£14m/$19m) per year. However, the decision has created a much larger problem for the Bundesliga champions. Bayern's squad has been significantly depleted this summer, with 11 players departing - including key players Thomas Muller and Leroy Sane - while only three new players have arrived. This extensive exodus has left the squad with a mere 21 players and an especially thin attack. Coach Vincent Kompany now faces the daunting task of starting the season with limited options.

The club's struggle to find a replacement for Coman is a clear sign of the challenge they face. Bayern has already been rebuffed by targets like Nick Woltemade and Xavi Simons. The club's most promising remaining targets are now Christopher Nkunku and Jadon Sancho, but securing a deal for either player is proving difficult. Bayern President Uli Hoeneß is reportedly advocating for loan deals rather than permanent transfers, which further complicates negotiations and signals a cautious approach in the transfer market.

The German club's immediate future hinges on their ability to solve their squad depth issues before the transfer window closes. The club's internal politics and on-field performance will be a key storyline to watch. The reigning Bundesliga champions will kick off their opening league fixture against RB Leipzig on August 23.

Additional reporting by Christian Guinin.