A broadly positive start to the season both at home and in the Champions League confirms coach Tuchel’s successful record of squad development after high-profile departures. Renewed strength in depth and typically attractive style of play complement escalating scope for transfer gains. Despite inflationary wage pressure we still look for a doubling this year in pre-transfer EBITDA (our key metric), albeit from a reduced base (FY16 pre-transfer EBITDA was slightly below our expectations). A new lucrative deal on Bundesliga media rights drives FY18 growth prospects, assuming continued Champions League. Finances remain impressively disciplined.
