Brazzo rules out James sale in candid interview

Hasan “Brazzo” Salihamdzic continues to grow into his role as Bayern Munich sporting director since joining the Bavarian brass in July of 2017. During his 18 months in Munich, Brazzo has been relatively inactive in the transfer market, much to the chagrin of many Bayern fans. Despite his potentially frustrating track record, momentum has recently picked up and the former Die Roten player is under immense pressure with difficult choices ahead.

In a recent interview with SportBild (via Bild), the Bosnian dropped a major bit of transfer news regarding James Rodriguez. Although he asserted that it is yet to be determined if Bayern will activate the purchase option in the loan agreement with Real Madrid, Brazzo has ruled out a purchase for the purpose of re-selling the Colombian international.

That’s not Bayern Munich’s style. When we decide in favor of a seasoned player, then he remains part of Bayern Munich.

At times it has seemed as though it is a foregone conclusion that James will not be with the record-champions next campaign, but this is especially significant considering speculation that Bayern would attempt to profit off of a resale of the crafty playmaker.

In addition to his admission over James’ future, Brazzo made it clear that Bayern would up its activity in the transfer market. After expressing excitement over new arrival Benjamin Pavard and confirming interest in Callum Hudson-Odoi and Lucas Hernandez, the Bayern sporting director was blunt, “We will still do some transfers.”

Whether these transfers come in the January window or follow in the summer remains to be seen. Salihamidzic’s success in the transfer market may even determine his future with the club.

Bavarian legend Oliver Kahn has emerged as an intriguing choice to replace Uli Hoeness — or even to step into a role as Salihamdzic’s superior as Director of Sport on the Bayern Munich board. The under-fire sporting director doubled down on his resistance to the notion that Kahn could serve as his superior.

I have a really good and clear relationship with Oliver. But I also have a clear view about my job at FC Bayern, my competences, my work. The club bosses know my view: if they decide for a director of sport [on the board] other than myself, I will no longer be the right sporting director. I will not accept a different director of sport.

A pretty direct statement for someone who has yet to prove himself in the role.

Nevertheless, Brazzo does not doubt the quality and determination of the squad currently at the disposal of Niko Kovac. He has even backed them to make up ground on first-place Borussia Dortmund, who the Rekordmeister currently sit six points behind.

The psyche can be decisive. Experience is often very important in the end — and FC Bayern has experience. We have a team that has experienced everything. We were seldom the hunters in the past years, but the boys like it.

Whether or not Bayern extend their run of Bundesliga to seven may come down to Salihamidzic’s ability to get a deal or two over the line in the coming weeks.

How do you think Brazzo has done 18 months in?