Bayern Munich made the correct decision in 2023 by paying €100 million for Harry Kane. The English striker has scored 100 goals in just over two seasons for Bayern. The 32-year-old forward is showing no signs of decline and remains on track to have another season with more than 50 goals.
A move for Kane was pursued one year after the departure of Robert Lewandowski. The Polish striker sealed a move to FC Barcelona after winning every possible trophy in the Bavarian colours. Just before the departure of Lewandowski, Bayern came very close to signing another top talent for the number nine position.
In his latest transfer book, German journalist Christian Falk (via iMiaSanMia) has revealed that Bayern came very close to signing Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund. The Norwegian striker was assessing his options in 2021 as he was attracting interest from several big clubs across Europe.
As per Falk, Haaland held talks with Hasan Salihamidzic (Bayern’s Sporting director) in 2021. Salihamidzic had presented a very exciting project, and Haaland looked convinced. The terms with Mino Raiola also looked like a mere formality after Bayern made a positive pitch to Haaland.
Die Roten had a lucrative offer ready for Haaland, but Manchester City managed to blow them out of the water. The Premier League side provided a sporting project as competitive as Die Roten, but the financial terms offered to the player were way superior.
Erling Haaland has enjoyed tremendous success at Manchester City. Scoring more than 100 goals and helping the club win the treble. The Norwegian striker signed a long-term deal with Manchester City last season, which suggests he is set to stay in the Premier League for a long time.
Bayern ended up getting next best option
Missing out on Haaland was a big blow since he was convinced about the sporting project at Bayern. However, the club chiefs ended up getting the next best option in the market two years later. Even though Kane arrived in Munich late in his peak, he will go down as one of the best signings the club has made in the 21st century.
Bayern will certainly be in contention for Haaland if he decides to leave Manchester City in the future. For now, the Bavarian club should ensure that they end up winning the race for the next big striker in Europe, who could lead their attack for several years.