Bayern Munich transfer for Cristiano Ronaldo 'out of the question'
Bayern Munich sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic has admitted that signing Cristiano Ronaldo this summer was 'out of the question'.
Ronaldo is desperate to leave Manchester United this summer in search of Champions League football and Bayern were considered as one of his options after selling Robert Lewandowski to Barcelona.
However, Salihamidzic insisted that Bayern's philosophy and finances made a move unlikely and that they were focused on the attackers they had at the club.
'When you now see how our attack is equipped - even without Robert Lewandowski - it's just difficult from a sporting and financial point of view,' Salihamidzic told BILD's Phrasenmäher podcast.
'We have eight players for four positions upfront.. We have established top players who are in the prime of their footballing age. We have talent that we want to give playing time too, so we all voted to go through with our plan.
'So that (signing Ronaldo) was out of question for us. We are very happy with how we're equipped.'
What does the future hold for Ronaldo?
Ronaldo informed United officials in July that he wished to leave the club after their failure to qualify for the Champions League, however he has been unable to find a club willing to sign him.
United's poor start to the season saw them reconsider their stance on Ronaldo, having previously insisted their top scorer from last season was not for sale.
The club felt that Ronaldo's negative attitude around the training ground was hindering the team and that his departure could lift the dressing room.
But the £70 million signing of Casemiro from Real Madrid, coupled with the impressive 2-1 win over Liverpool, is believed to have enthused Ronaldo.
Erik ten Hag on decisions: “I don't have to mention Maguire, Ronaldo… they will play a role in the future”. 🔴 #MUFC
“We said we want to bring the right players in, the window is not closed and you need not only numbers, but quality”, told Sky via @utdreport. pic.twitter.com/hJMR0j6SXM— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 22, 2022
The 37-year-old was an 86th minute substitute in the game, having been on the bench for two of United's three Premier League games, but there is renewed belief that he may stay at Old Trafford this season.
The lack of suitors for Ronaldo has undoubtedly forced his hand but the club's failure so far to sign a replacement means it is unlikely that he will be sold before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.