FC Bayern will lose players too: Markus Krösche responds to Uli Hoeneß criticism
Eintracht Frankfurt’s sporting director, Markus Krösche, has responded to the criticism from FC Bayern Munich’s honorary president, Uli Hoeneß. Krösche addresses the potential future loss of players at Bayern and the club's transfer strategies. Read on for an in-depth analysis of the ongoing debate.
Eintracht Frankfurt’s sporting director, Markus Krösche, has responded to the criticism from FC Bayern Munich’s honorary president, Uli Hoeneß. On the ZDF programme 'Aktuelles Sportstudio', Krösche addressed the transfer advice given by the owner of FC Bayern Munich, who suggested that the Hessians should not always sell their star players."I believe that FC Bayern will also lose players in the future," said Krösche, addressing the vague rumours circulating in the international press: "If someone like Michael Olise wants to join Real Madrid, then there will be opportunities for that."In recent weeks and months, reports have repeatedly surfaced suggesting that Real or the top Premier League clubs have been keeping an eye on the exceptional talent. “The market has changed. Other countries and clubs have different opportunities. Maintaining the Bundesliga’s competitiveness in an international context – that is our core focus,” explained Krösche.In recent years, Eintracht had become the Bundesliga’s most profitable selling club. In 2023, Randal Kolo Muani moved to Paris Saint-Germain for €95 million; in January 2025, Omar Marmoush joined Manchester City for €75 million; and in the summer, Hugo Ekitike moved to Liverpool FC for €95 million. However, Frankfurt are struggling to live up to their own expectations this season. They currently sit in seventh place in the Bundesliga, which would mean missing out on European football – unless eighth-placed SC Freiburg can prevail in the DFB-Pokal, first in the semi-final against VfB Stuttgart and then in the final against FC Bayern or Bayer Leverkusen. Speaking at an event organised by the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, Hoeneß said: “Personally, I’m not a big fan of selling good players. I always say at Bayern: we’re a club that buys players, not one that sells them.” Addressing Frankfurt’s board spokesman Axel Hellmann, he added: “Axel Hellmann will also come to realise that, in the long run, you lose substance with every sale. It’s nice to get 50 or 60 million once in a while, but what are the consequences?”Under Hoeneß’s leadership, however, Bayern never received more than 45 million euros for a player. That sum was enough to bring in three players: Robert Lewandowski (FC Barcelona, 2022), Lucas Hernandez (PSG, 2023) and Matthijs de Ligt (Manchester United, 2024). The most expensive signing was Harry Kane, for whom around 100 million euros were paid to Tottenham Hotspur. “Today I’d buy him for 150 million,” said the 74-year-old. “Because he’s a dream for Bayern Munich. A global figurehead. A good character, a role model for our youth, our 18-year-olds. He puts his arm around them. He tells them how they need to shoot the ball.”A potential buyer would likely have to dig just as deep into their pockets for Olise. Following his €53 million move from Crystal Palace to Munich, the Frenchman still has a contract until 2029. There is no release clause. Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
Markus Krösche's Perspective on FC Bayern's Potential Player Losses
During a recent appearance on the ZDF programme 'Aktuelles Sportstudio', Markus Krösche countered Uli Hoeneß's criticism by highlighting the changing dynamics of the transfer market. He emphasized his belief that even FC Bayern Munich will face challenges in retaining their players, especially if top European clubs come calling. Krösche mentioned the speculated interest in Michael Olise from Real Madrid as an example, suggesting that the market forces at play could lead to player departures.
Eintracht Frankfurt's Selling Strategy and Bundesliga Competitiveness
Krösche outlined Eintracht Frankfurt's past successes in transfer dealings, citing the lucrative sales of players like Randal Kolo Muani, Omar Marmoush, and Hugo Ekitike to prominent European clubs. These moves have positioned Frankfurt as a profitable selling club in the Bundesliga. However, despite their financial gains, the team's current league standing raises questions about their ability to balance player sales with on-field performance.
Uli Hoeneß's Stance on Player Transfers and Bayern Munich's History
Contrary to Krösche's views, Uli Hoeneß expressed skepticism regarding the continuous selling of key players by Frankfurt. The former Bayern Munich president emphasized the importance of retaining talent to maintain a competitive squad. He critiqued the long-term sustainability of Frankfurt's strategy, cautioning against the erosion of squad quality through frequent player departures.
Bayern Munich's Transfer Policy and Record Signings
The discussion also delved into Bayern Munich's transfer philosophy, with Hoeneß highlighting the club's historical stance on player acquisitions and sales. While Bayern has predominantly been a buying club, recent high-profile signings like Robert Lewandowski, Lucas Hernandez, and Matthijs de Ligt have showcased their willingness to invest in top talent. Hoeneß's endorsement of Harry Kane as a potential future target further underscores Bayern's ambitions in the transfer market.
Implications of Olise's Potential Transfer and Market Value
The conversation touched upon the hypothetical scenario of Michael Olise's departure from Frankfurt to a club like Bayern Munich. With no release clause in his contract and a reported valuation of €53 million, Olise represents a prized asset for potential suitors. The discussion raised the possibility of Olise commanding a significant transfer fee, akin to other premium signings in the football market.
