Bayern Munich is widely regarded as one of the best-run clubs in world football, known for its smart transfer strategy and financial discipline. However, even the most successful teams make mistakes in the transfer market, and Bayern is no exception. Despite their careful approach, the club has made several signings over the years that failed to meet expectations, whether due to injuries, poor form, or simply not fitting into the team.
We’ve taken a closer look at some of the worst transfers in Bayern Munich’s history, highlighting the players who struggled to make an impact and the reasons why their moves turned into disappointments.
Edson Braafheid
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Signed from FC Twente in 2009 for £1.7 million, Braafheid was expected to strengthen Bayern’s defense. However, he failed to meet expectations and was loaned to Celtic after just five months. Despite making an appearance in the 2010 World Cup final, he never regained Bayern’s trust and was eventually sold to Lazio.
Breno arrived from São Paulo in 2008 for £10 million and was regarded as a future defensive leader. Unfortunately, injuries hampered his progress, and his career was further derailed by personal issues, including an arrest for suspected arson. In four years, he managed only 21 appearances before leaving the club.
Bayern signed Donovan on loan from LA Galaxy in 2008, hoping he could add attacking depth. However, he struggled immensely, failing to score in his seven appearances. Even Bayern’s reserve team coach refused to play him, making it clear that his loan spell was a complete failure.
Torsten Frings
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Bayern spent £8.5 million to sign Frings from Borussia Dortmund in 2004, expecting him to be a key midfield presence. However, he never fit into Felix Magath’s system and failed to replicate his form from Dortmund and Werder Bremen. After just one season, he was sent back to Bremen.
Mario Götze
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One of the most high-profile transfers in German football, Bayern triggered Götze’s release clause for £31.5 million in 2013. He started well, but injuries and inconsistency prevented him from becoming the world-class playmaker Bayern had envisioned. After three underwhelming seasons, he returned to Dortmund.
Marcell Jansen
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Bayern signed Jansen from Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2007 for £8.5 million, expecting him to be their left-back for years to come. However, persistent injuries ruined his chances of establishing himself, and he left after just one season to rebuild his career elsewhere.
Felix Magath personally pushed for Karimi’s arrival from Al-Ahli in 2005 for £1.3 million, despite Bayern’s scouts being unconvinced. Karimi struggled to adapt to European football, starting only 23 games across two seasons before leaving for the Middle East.
Renato Sanches
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After his breakout performances for Portugal at Euro 2016, Bayern paid £30 million to sign Sanches from Benfica, with potential add-ons pushing the fee to £68 million. However, he looked overwhelmed in the Bundesliga, making rash decisions and struggling against elite competition. A failed loan at Swansea further confirmed that he wasn’t ready for Bayern’s level.
Bouna Sarr
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Sarr arrived from Marseille in 2020 for £7.7 million, meant to be a reliable right-back option. However, he was never truly competitive for a starting spot and played just 13 games in his first two seasons. His signing was seen as a desperate move that ultimately backfired.
Corentin Tolisso
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Bayern made Tolisso their record signing at the time, paying £34 million to bring him from Lyon in 2017. While talented, he suffered constant injuries, missing over 100 games. Despite flashes of brilliance, his time at Bayern was defined by frustrating spells on the sidelines.
Considered one of Germany’s brightest young strikers, Bayern paid £2.5 million to sign Arp from Hamburg in 2019. However, he failed to make the jump to elite football and was relegated to the reserves. He never scored a goal for the first team before leaving quietly.
Lukas Podolski
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Podolski was one of Germany’s most promising attackers when Bayern signed him from Köln for £8.5 million in 2006. However, he struggled to adapt to Bayern’s system and was overshadowed by more experienced strikers. After three disappointing seasons, he returned to Köln, where he regained his form.
