Bayern faces financial squeeze as club sets Champions League target

Bayern Munich face the prospect of posting a loss this financial year, so club management set reaching the Champions League semi-finals as a minimum target to avoid that outcome. Qualification for the quarter-finals brings €12.5 million and looked secured after the 6–1 first-leg win over Atalanta; advancing again against Real Madrid would add roughly €15 million.

Sporting director Max Eberl has been tasked with cutting wage costs as the salary structure shifts following summer departures. Dayot Upamecano moved into the top-earner "Category 2"—up to €20 million—a group that also includes Joshua Kimmich, Alphonso Davies and Manuel Neuer when bonuses are counted.

Neuer would reportedly have to accept a pay cut if he signs another one-year deal; Eberl previously negotiated a reduction for Serge Gnabry, while Upamecano, Davies and Musiala have become more expensive. Michael Olise and Luis Diaz are said to earn a combined €34 million a year, about €6 million less than Kingsley Coman and Leroy Sané.

Germany, Munich

bayern munich, champions league, financial loss, max eberl, wage costs, dayot upamecano, joshua kimmich, manuel neuer, atalanta, real madrid