Jochen Sauer joined Bayern Munich and the FC Bayern Campus in 2017 after being signed from RB Salzburg, coinciding with the launch of the club’s expansive new campus.
Appointed as the Campus director, Sauer was given a three-year contract with the goal of revitalizing the flow of talent into Bayern’s first team.
However, as his initial contract neared its end, speculation about his departure began to grow, suggesting the club was not entirely satisfied with his performance.
Despite this, Bayern extended his contract for another three years.
In 2023, as his second contract expired, doubts about Sauer’s impact resurfaced. Rumors linking him with a move away from Bayern intensified, and it appeared increasingly likely that he would part ways with the club.
Yet again, Bayern chose to renew his contract.
In addition, he was promoted to lead the Red&Gold Football collaboration with Los Angeles Football Club.
Now, according to Christian Falk, as reported by @iMiaSanMia, it appears the cycle may be repeating—Sauer is reportedly close to leaving the club.
Jochen Sauer, director of the FC Bayern Campus, is in talks with Schalke 04. Uli Hoeneß is unhappy with the work being done at the Campus at the moment – and there could be many changes in important positions
From an outside perspective, Sauer doesn’t appear to have performed poorly. He was at the helm when Jamal Musiala, Josip Stanišić, and Aleksandar Pavlović progressed from the Campus to the first team.
However, it increasingly feels like the relationship between Sauer and Bayern is more of a convenience than a strong partnership.
Given how close he has come to leaving on several occasions, it’s hard to believe the club is fully confident in his work. Perhaps a change is exactly what the Campus needs.
