Bayern Munich honorary president Uli Hoeness has expressed concern over Jamal Musiala’s long-term future, suggesting the Germany international may never fully recover his previous level of performance due to an underlying medical condition.
According to BBC Sport, Hoeness disclosed that the 23-year-old attacking midfielder was dealing with an illness that could not be permanently cured but could be managed to some extent through medication.
Speaking to Bavarian broadcaster BR24, Hoeness said Bayern faced uncertainty over the player’s recovery and his ability to return to his previous form.
“We are facing a dilemma in this case, as he is suffering from an illness that cannot simply be cured, but it can be controlled to a certain extent with the use of medication,” Hoeness said.
He also questioned whether Musiala would eventually rediscover the form he displayed before his health challenges, while assuring that Bayern would continue supporting the player, whose contract runs until 2030.
“But the question remains: will he one day be able to regain the level he used to show?” he added.
Hoeness further highlighted what he described as a contractual challenge for Bayern, claiming that Musiala’s medical condition was not covered by the insurance attached to his contract.
“Imagine if Bayern Munich now decided to question his contract, and told him: what you are able to offer currently no longer matches the level stipulated in the contract,” he said.
Musiala’s health concerns reportedly emerged during pre-season after he collapsed twice within four days. He was subsequently reported to have a treatable neurological dysfunction.
The midfielder has also been recovering from a hamstring injury sustained in September, which has kept him out of action for Bayern. However, he has recently returned to training.
He has managed two goals in four appearances for the German champions across all competitions this season.
Meanwhile, former Bayern Munich and Germany captain Lothar Matthaus has offered a different interpretation of Hoeness’ remarks, suggesting they were intended to challenge and motivate the young midfielder rather than discourage him.
Speaking on Sky90, Matthaus said the Bayern honorary president wanted Musiala to respond positively to the comments and demonstrate his determination to return to his best.
“He’s needling him a little. It’s not just about wrapping him in cotton wool. He also has to battle against adversity sometimes,” Matthaus said.
He added that Hoeness was deliberately creating a challenge for the player to overcome.
“Uli was looking to create that adversity with this statement.
“It’s fine for him to say something like that, because we can’t just put a positive spin on things and somehow wait for him to come back.
“If I were in Jamal Musiala’s position, that would be motivation enough to show Uli I’m back,” he added.
Musiala joined Bayern Munich in 2019 after progressing through Chelsea’s academy. Since then, he has recorded 71 goals and 38 assists in 235 appearances for the German club.
At international level, he has earned 46 caps for Germany and shared the Golden Boot as joint-top scorer at Euro 2024.