FC Bayern’s Campus has become a more meaningful part of the club’s business model. Opened in August 2017, the academy initially made slow progress but has produced a notable transfer return this summer.
Quick facts
- FC Bayern opened its Campus in August 2017.
- Wisdom Mike, 18, joined Club Brugge this summer for €5 million.
- Mike made five competitive appearances for Bayern’s first team, all from the bench.
- Lennart Karl has established himself at senior level and is now an international.
Mike had been viewed as one of the next Bayern prospects with a route into the first team. A year ago, he was discussed alongside Karl as a possible academy player ready to make the step up.
Karl has since secured his place and reached international level. Mike took a different path, with Belgian leaders Club Brugge paying €5 million for the forward.
The fee is striking against his limited senior record. His five Bayern competitive outings all came as a substitute, meaning the transfer roughly equates to €1 million per appearance.
For Bayern, it is a useful example of the Campus creating value beyond players who become regulars in the Allianz Arena side. Uli Hoeneß, present at the academy’s opening in 2017, has a firm view on its significance.
