Bayern Munich: Karl-Heinz Rummenigge rules out bid for Erling Haaland

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, CEO of FC Bayern Munich. (Photo by ROBERT MICHAEL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, CEO of FC Bayern Munich. (Photo by ROBERT MICHAEL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

The biggest transfer saga in Europe is going to involve Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland. Almost every top club, including Bayern Munich, has been linked with a move for the Norwegian striker in the summer.

Considering Dortmund’s way of operating while selling one of their promising talents, Haaland is likely to command a nine-figure fee during the summer window. It remains to be seen which clubs will be able to afford such a fee during a pandemic affected transfer market.

Bayern is certainly not going to waste time by pursuing such an expensive deal. They have already committed a big fee towards bringing Dayot Upamecano from RB Leipzig in June. Moreover, the current squad has different positions that need addressing in the summer.

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has set the record straight regarding rumours linking Haaland to Die Roten. While talking SportBild on Wednesday, Rummenigge confirmed that Rekordmeister will not move for the Norwegian striker since they have the best number nine in the world.

"“I don’t know where the rumours are coming from. I can only say that we have the world’s best footballer in this position. Lewandowski has a contract until 2023, and seeing his professionalism and the way he trains, it won’t be the end yet.”"

More from Bayern Strikes

Haaland is currently developing at a rapid rate. He surely has the talent and potential to be a long-term replacement for Lewandowski. However, Die Roten is unlikely to match offers from Manchester City, Real Madrid, or Paris Saint-Germain for his signature. Dortmund is reportedly looking close to €180 million for Haaland this summer.

Moreover, Lewandowski is ageing like a fine wine. The Polish striker is getting better with every passing season. His numbers are scaling new peak every year. If not for his injury this week, it was certain that Lewandowski would have broken Gerd Muller’s record of 40 league goals in a single league campaign. The Polish forward has previously hinted that he would be open to ending his career in Bavaria.

Die Roten may have to start looking for a long-term replacement for Lewandowski in a couple of years. However, Haaland is not going to wait at Dortmund for that long. The best possible scenario for Rekordmeister will be that Haaland stays at Dortmund for one more year, and then they activate his release clause next summer. This is the only possible way by which Haaland could be seen in Bavarian colours.

Currently, the immediate headache for Hansi Flick will be Lewandowski’s injury. The Polish striker suffered a knee injury while playing for Poland on Sunday. After a complete diagnosis, Lewandowski was ruled out for four weeks. Bayern will have to get this tough run of fixtures without their talisman in the attack.