Eberl hits back at Hamann over doubts about Harry Kane's Bayern contract extension

Eberl hits back at Hamann

Bayern sporting director Max Eberl reacted with visible irritation to doubts that Sky expert Dietmar Hamann raised about the club's contract extension with Harry Kane. Eberl spoke ahead of Bayern's away match at FSV Mainz 05 and said that German fans, like Bayern's own supporters, had been pleased by the deal. He argued that Germany always has someone who spoils the mood, and that Hamann is often that person.

“In Germany there is always someone who has to spit in the soup, and Didi is often among them.”

Hamann's objections over age and form

Hamann called the deal a certain risk because Kane is 33 and would be 36 when the contract expires. He also pointed to Kane's performance at the European Championship in 2024 and to problems Kane had in the last two knockout games of the World Cup. Eberl considers that assessment too negative. He said that having the world's best player in the Bundesliga, in excellent form and at the peak of his career, is a big sign for the league.

“It is of course a certain risk. He is 33, so by the end of the contract he will be 36.”

Pay, fees and the club's stance

Jan-Christian Dreesen, the club's chairman of the board, said Bayern had 'stretched itself financially' for the deal. He told the press that Kane was worth the expense in many respects, and that the club had gone all-in on a previous transfer three years earlier. Reports put Kane's salary well above 20 million euros a year, while n-tv cites 30 million euros including bonuses, possibly slightly more, which would make him Europe's best-paid footballer.

“Harry was worth every cent, in many respects.”

Michael Reschke, a former Bayern squad planner, told the podcast Absolut Bayern that the club has fully written off Kane's transfer fee over the four years so far. In his view, Kane is therefore not more expensive for the club despite the higher wages. Reschke also rejected doubts about Kane's age, saying top players can still perform at a high level later in their careers.

Contract term and squad plans

Focus reports that the new contract runs until 2029 and was presented at the Allianz Arena, where Dreesen and Eberl called it a significant success and a clear signal to European rivals. According to Focus, the club's goal is to win the Champions League again, with the 2028 final in the Allianz Arena and a 2029 final at Camp Nou within Kane's new term. Focus also lists Michael Olise, Luis Díaz, Joshua Kimmich, Jonathan Tah, Konrad Laimer and Aleksandar Pavlovic as bound until at least summer 2029. Coach Vincent Kompany is also under contract until 2029.