Naby keita

Japanese International Takumi Minamino: Discovering the talent of Erling Haaland might elevate someone to heroic status in football. For Christoph Freund, the discovery of the Norwegian standout isn't the only reason Bayern Munich took notice.

In eight years, Freund transformed RB Salzburg into one of Europe's prime talent factories. He's credited with finding stars like Sadio Mane from Senegal, former Liverpool striker Naby Keita, Japanese International Takumi Minamino, and French international Dayot Upamecano, reports Xinhua.

Starting this Friday, the 46-year-old will step into his new role as Bayern Munich's sporting director, succeeding the departed Hasan Salihamidzic. He has inked a deal that lasts until 2027.