A new era is set to begin for Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting. The Cameroonian striker notably departed Bayern Munich, Bundesliga runners-up, during the past season. Confined to a perpetual second role after rendering his services, he will now explore new horizons. Not so far from the German capital, according to the latest rumors.
On May 12th at the Allianz Arena, Bayern Munich announced the news. During a controlled Bundesliga match, the Bavarians bid farewell to two less prominent but appreciated players for their spirit: Bouna Sarr and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting. The former Marseille and Paris player will leave the club this summer at the end of their contracts. Is Choupo-Moting headed to stay in the Bundesliga?
Having played a more significant role in recent years than his teammate, the Cameroonian striker expressed gratitude to the Munich club for his four years at Bayern: “I would like to thank FC Bayern for this wonderful and fruitful period. It was a dream to play for this great club. I always gave everything for the team and our excellent supporters,” said the Cameroonian. In 121 appearances for Bayern, Choupo-Moting made his mark with 38 goals and 13 assists.
The Hamburg native had not given any indications about his future plans. However, news has recently emerged. Indeed, it is learned that Mainz is working towards a return of Cameroonian Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting. After four successful years at Bayern, 122 matches, 38 goals, and 13 assists, the Cameroonian international bid farewell to the Bavarian club. While rumors link him to FC Barcelona and Saudi Arabia, Africafoot reports that Mainz aims to recruit the 35-year-old player.
Choupo-Moting is familiar with the club having played there from 2010 to 2014. Negotiations continue between the two parties. It would be a logical step for a player who experienced complex situations between late 2023 and early 2024, especially with the Cameroonian national team. His father had spoken out about this.
Choupo-Moting between calm at club level and storm in national team selection
On Radio Balafon, the father of the Bayern Munich striker expressed strong feelings about his son’s non-selection for the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast. “I was a bit surprised. Eric Maxim was also surprised. I don’t know why he wasn’t selected. He doesn’t know either. We have no proof. But that doesn’t mean I don’t want to talk about it. However, we tried to follow everything.
If a player like Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting is preselected, it means it’s clear he will be selected.” We know the rest. Samuel Eto’o was singled out by the player’s father, who complained about unpaid bonuses related to the 2022 World Cup. “When I say I haven’t seen the bonuses, it was interpreted as if I had said the bonuses weren’t paid. Samuel Eto’o called me and tried to threaten me. He was very angry and didn’t want to let me explain. He told me, ‘Dad, I won’t let this go.’” Today, things have calmed down, and Choupo-Moting has returned to the national team under new coach Marc Brys.
In preparation for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, amid conflicts within FECAFOOT, he was invited to a press conference. He took the opportunity to share his thoughts on the new coach. “It’s the beginning, and we’re starting to get to know each other. For me, the first days are very, very positive. The most important thing is that he talks to us and tells us what he expects from us. After that, the most important thing is the next two matches […] but for a start, I have a very good feeling,” he said.
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