Uli Hoeness says Bayern shouldn’t be “defined by new signings”

Uli Hoeness was in attendance at the Audi Dome in Munich as Bayern’s senior basketball team clinched the BBL Championship over the weekend. Though he was there to support the basketball team, Hoeness was approached by reporters from Sky Germany and asked a number of questions about the football team, who will embark on their pre-season tour of the United States in a couple of weeks.

Hoeness was asked about Bayern’s summer transfer plans, in particular in light of the club’s heavy links to Manchester City’s Leroy Sané, but he was not amused by calls for more signings in addition to Lucas Hernandez and Benjamin Pavard. Hoeness stated,

I honestly have to say, it’s gradually getting on my nerves that one is only defined by purchases anymore. We just won two titles and we should all celebrate first of all. I can guarantee that a good team will be standing on the pitch on August 15.

The timing of Hoeness’ statement is a bit peculiar, given that Bild reported that the Leroy Sane transfer now appears increasingly unlikely, since the midfielder wants to prove himself under Pep Guardiola. Hoeness’ comments could be perceived as a signal that Bayern will not look elsewhere in the transfer market, and that they feel the squad is already strong enough.

Bayern just let Mats Hummels return Borussia Dortmund for a transfer fee of €30-38 million euros on a three-year contract. Hoeness revealed that Hummels and his father gave an explicit request to leave Bayern:

Mats asked to be released and FC Bayern initiated talks accordingly. It was the explicit wish of Mats Hummels and his father. And since we have very many central defenders, I think this decision is completely right, although Mats played a very good Rückrunde.

When asked about the status of Hummels’ fellow center-back Jerome Boateng, who has also been linked with a move out of Bayern, Hoeness simply replied that he’s on vacation and has to see what’s new once he returns. Losing both center-backs during this transfer window could prove costly for Bayern.

On a more positive note, Hoeness was also asked about Bayern’s appointment of Hansi Flick as the new assistant manager. Flick signed a two-year deal to replace Peter Hermann, who has left to become the new technical director at relegated FC Nürnberg. Hoeness showed his excitement for bringing in Flick, specifically recognizing his ability to integrate youth players:

That is a very good decision, because we need a man who works with the youth and integrates them. that was an explicit request by Niko Kovac.