Rummenigge rules Bayern Munich out of the Haaland race

Euan McTear

12 Dec 2021 07:46 CST
3 min read

Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland is wanted by Europe's top clubs — © ProShots

Even if Mino Raiola later tried to retract his comments about the leading candidates to sign Erling Haaland, it was still interesting that he initially named only four teams. They were Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund’s Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich.

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It certainly wouldn’t be Bayern Munich’s first attempt to sign a talented player who has already proved himself in German football, so the Bavarian club have been considered as a serious candidate to sign the Norwegian striker. But, former chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has stated that he doesn’t see such a transfer happening.

Rummenigge’s quotes about Haaland

Speaking to Bild, Rummenigge gave two reasons as to why he thinks Bayern Munich will pull out of the pursuit of Haaland. “Bayern won’t try to sign Haaland,” he stated. “It’s not just for financial reasons, but also out of respect and appreciation for Robert Lewandowski, who's the best No.9 in the world."

Bayern won’t try to sign Haaland out of respect and appreciation for Robert Lewandowski.

- Karl-Heinz Rummenigge

Rummenigge on Haaland: "FC Bayern will not try to get Haaland. Not just for financial reasons, but also out of respect and appreciation for Robert Lewandowski, who's the best number 9 in the world" [BILD TV]
— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) December 12, 2021

Comparing Lewandowski and Haaland

Comparing Robert Lewandowski and Erling Haaland over the past two seasons, the Polish striker has been scoring more goals as he has a rate of 1.14 per 90 minutes, compared to 1.09 per 90 minutes for Haaland. The totals are very different, though, with 84 goals for Lewandowski and 65 for the youngster. That, though, is because the Pole has played more matches.

Lewandowski can’t carry on forever, though, as he is 33 years of age. He hasn’t showed signs of slowing down yet, but Haaland is a bet for the future at just 21 years old.

This is why he’ll be one of the most sought-after transfer targets of recent years. Perhaps Bayern Munich will pull out of that race, as Rummenigge claimed, but some club will acquire a superstar. Raiola named the four aforementioned clubs, but later added that his client could go to any “one of the top 15 European clubs”.