Bayern Munich board member for sport Max Eberl has hit back at former Bayern player Dietmar Hamann over his scepticism about star striker Harry Kane's contract extension.
"Everyone has the right to express their opinion," Eberl told Sky on the sidelines of the league leaders' Bundesliga match against Mainz 05 on Saturday afternoon. "If we have the world player of the year in the Bundesliga, in excellent form and in the prime of his career, then that sends a strong message for the Bundesliga."
On Thursday, Bayern Munich sent that "message for the Bundesliga" when they announced the extension of Kane's expiring contract until summer 2029. Hamann's criticism of the decision over the Englishman's advancing age irked Eberl: "I know the Bayern fans were all very happy. I think the German fans were too. Unfortunately, that's how it is: in Germany, there's always someone who has to spoil things – and Didi is often one of them."
Eberl knows the newly crowned Ballon d'Or winner will be almost 36 when his contract ends, but pointed to his fitness: "He has barely had any injuries since he came here. And of course we hope it stays that way. But if you do get injured, it takes longer to come back. When you sign a contract that takes you to almost 36, there is always a certain risk – no matter who you are."
Later on Thursday, Hamann aired his criticism on the Sky programme 'Triple - Der Hagedorn Fußballtalk'. He said, among other things: "I think the extension carries a not insignificant risk. I don't think there was much interest from England. So it was probably a decision they couldn't make any other way. Whether he will continue to score as many goals over the next three years remains to be seen. (...)."
The former Bayern player also felt his old club had been under pressure to act: "Bayern could hardly do anything but extend his contract. He wanted to stay and has now won the Ballon d'Or. It would have sent a message if he had won this award and they had still let him go."
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Speaking to DAZN, however, Eberl saw it differently: "I think it's a great message to have a Ballon d'Or winner in Germany and for him to stay. The classic scenario is: I win the Ballon d'Or, let my contract expire in the summer and can do completely different things." Kane's world player of the year award is also costing Bayern Munich a tidy sum, but Eberl is unfazed: "The club is strong enough; we can bear that too. It's a good sign."
Kane has played up front for Bayern Munich since summer 2023. He arrived from Tottenham Hotspur for a transfer fee of just under €100 million and has exceeded the high expectations. The England captain has scored 156 goals in 162 appearances for Bayern Munich. He has also provided 42 assists.