On Monday, it was announced that German football giants Bayern Munich and LAFC have formed a joint venture with the aim of talent development. The program, named “Red&Gold Football,” is based in Munich and offers young talents a pathway to first-team play and a place to combine ideas from both clubs. This partnership is a big move for both teams and opens up a world of opportunities for players from both countries.
LAFC co-president and general manager John Thorrington said in an exclusive interview with ESPN that the goal is vertical integration, with LAFC unlocking a scouting network with Bayern Munich, which is among the top in the world. Meanwhile, Bayern has a pathway to the largely untapped talent pool in the United States. The two clubs own 50% of Red&Gold Football and the breakdown and functionality are fairly simple. Players can move from the LAFC academy to Munich to receive more European training. Players who are not ready for first-team action in the Bundesliga can develop at a top level in MLS with LAFC. However, the hub and crux of the partnership remains in Munich.
According to LAFC, both clubs envision and predict that the joint venture will grow. In fact, they welcome more clubs to further enhance the capability of player development growth. This opens up the possibility of other clubs joining the program in the future.
The player development venture between Bayern Munich and LAFC is not on the same level as clubs connected under one umbrella, such as the City Football Group or the Red Bull Group. However, there is potential for the relationship between the two entities to grow further. The partnership is an exciting move for both clubs and a great opportunity for young footballers to gain valuable experience and training from two of the biggest clubs in the world.
