Pranav Nair
Bayern Munich hand Manchester United the advantage in Erling Haaland pursuit
According to The Express, German champions Bayern Munich have handed Manchester United the initiative in the race to sign Erling Haaland.
The 20-year-old is one of the best young talents in world football and is firmly establishing himself as a ace scorer of goals. With an incredible 57 goals and 15 assists in 59 appearances, for Dortmund, it is clear to see why.
While a number of clubs will try to get their hands on the striker, one team that will not attempt to do so is Bayern.
Club chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge previously rubbished talk of a deal for Haaland, citing the presence of Robert Lewandowski at the club. The Polish ace has outscored Haaland and despite his age continues to be arguable the best striker in world football.
Former Bayern keeper Oliver Kahn, who is set to replace Rummenigge this year, also thinks along the same lines. He has declared in no uncertain terms that Bayern are in no position to afford Haaland.
“A package that costs more than 100 million euros is currently unthinkable for FC Bayern.”
No reason to want Haaland
Kahn extolled Lewandowski’s virtues. He asked the fans not to worry about a replacement as long as he continues to rack up the numbers. With two more years to go on his current deal, the Germans have nothing to worry about for now.
“Robert Lewandowski still has a two-year contract here and his performance is beyond question. That’s why we don’t have to worry about Haaland today.”
Despite Bayern backing out, United will still need to fork out a king’s ransom to land the player for themselves. Mino Raiola is a pain to work with at the best of times and United will once again deal with the superagent to land the talented young Norwegian.
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While Real Madrid and Barcelona are also in the fray, United could well hold an advantage over other clubs battling it out for the Norwegian striker.
Haaland worked with United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Molde, forming a strong relationship in the process.
Not only has the 20-year-old admitted the influence Solskajer had had on his career but also harbours dreams of playing in England. Whether this is enough to sway the saga in our favour remains to be seen. (h/t The Express)
