Bayern part ways with youth scouting chief after seven years

FC Bayern Munich have announced the departure of Florian Zahn, the team leader for scouting and squad planning of youth football. The German record champions (der deutsche Rekordmeister) made the announcement on Wednesday. In the official club statement, Bayern described the split as “mutual” and said it followed “guten Gesprächen”.

Zahn arrived from Chelsea in the summer of 2019, meaning he has worked for the Munich side for more than seven years on the Bayern campus. Sport director Christoph Freund praised Zahn, saying his team uncovered many talented players who have reached or are close to professional football, and thanked him while wishing him all the best. Zahn himself reflected positively, describing himself as full of pride and great gratitude for the chance to work at his “heart club”.

He added that after seven years it feels right to pursue personal and professional development, looks forward to what comes, remains deeply attached to FC Bayern, and thanks his team and superiors for their support. Zahn is the second official to leave the club, marking another Weg in the recent restructuring.

Schmadtke also exits

In early November the club announced that scouting head Nils Schmadtke would also part ways. That separation was likewise described as mutual. Schmadtke’s contract runs until 31 January 2027, after which he will exit the club, although it had originally been set to run until summer 2027.

The split was not unexpected, as his leadership style had drawn internal criticism. Schmadtke, the son of former Bundesliga goalkeeper and manager Jörg Schmadtke, was regarded as a close confidant of sport director Max Eberl, with both having previously worked together at Borussia Mönchengladbach. Reportedly, a report, Bayern’s hierarchy intend to handle Schmadtke’s replacement internally.