Bayern Munich have confirmed they have mutually agreed to part ways with youth scouting and squad planning team leader Florian Zahn, amid wider personnel changes in the club’s scouting department.
Bayern’s official statement on Zahn’s departure
In an official statement, Bayern Munich said they have parted company with Florian Zahn, who was their team leader for scouting and squad planning in youth football. Bayern Munich described Zahn’s departure as “mutually agreed” following “good discussions”. Bayern Munich announced the decision to part company with Florian Zahn on Wednesday.
Zahn’s role in Bayern’s youth setup
Florian Zahn joined Bayern’s campus from Chelsea in the summer of 2019. Florian Zahn spent more than seven years at Bayern Munich. Sporting director Christoph Freund said: “Florian and his team have discovered many talented players in recent years who have made their way into professional football or are close to doing so. We thank him for his work and wish him all the best for the future.”
Zahn reflects on seven years at the club
Looking back on his time at Säbener Straße, Florian Zahn said he was filled with “pride and great gratitude” at having worked for the “club close to my heart”. He added: “After seven years at the club, it feels right to pursue my desire for personal and professional development. I look forward to what comes next and remain deeply attached to Bayern Munich. My heartfelt thanks go to my team and all the managers and colleagues who have supported me along the way.”
Nils Schmadtke’s contract and succession plans
Florian Zahn is the second official set to leave Bayern Munich in a very short space of time. Bayern Munich said in an official statement that at the beginning of November they would also part ways with head of scouting Nils Schmadtke, and described Schmadtke’s departure as mutually agreed. Until 31 January 2027, Nils Schmadtke remains under contract with Bayern Munich, after which he will leave the club, and his deal had originally been due to run until the summer of 2027. Nils Schmadtke had faced internal criticism over his leadership style. In Munich, Nils Schmadtke had a reputation as a close confidant of board member for sport Max Eberl, and the pair had previously worked together at Borussia Mönchengladbach. According to a kicker report, Bayern Munich’s bosses plan to appoint Nils Schmadtke’s successor internally.
