transfer market
Wild rumor in the summer slump: is Bayern flirting with Ronaldo?
According to the Spanish sports newspaper “AS”, FC Bayern should deal with Cristiano Ronaldo as a possible replacement if Lewandowski leaves. Photo: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire/dpa
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An adventurous-sounding rumor from Spain electrified the transfer market. A sports newspaper wants to know that Bayern should be dating Cristiano Ronaldo. Does that really make sense?
In the middle of the football summer slump, Cristiano Ronaldo sent love greetings from his Mallorca vacation. At a rustic wooden table, the superstar appeared with his partner Georgina Rodriguez and four children while eating under the palm trees.
“Holidays with love” is the text for the idyllic photo that more than nine million Ronaldo fans like on Instagram.
Ronaldo rumor is a topic of conversation
The football community also felt well entertained by the adventurous speculation about a future for the Portuguese at FC Bayern. No sooner had the Munich bosses proudly presented their new “world star” Sadio Mané as a royal transfer than the Ronaldo rumor from the Spanish sports newspaper “AS” about an alleged interest from the German record champions on the heated transfer exchange in the summer provided fresh, first-class conversation.
Allegedly, the newspaper claims to have learned, Bayern want to replace their goal scorer Robert Lewandowski, who is willing to emigrate, with football icon Ronaldo. A 37-year-old for a soon to be 34-year-old? Should the Polish world footballer be allowed to complete his desired move to FC Barcelona by September 1 at the latest, the German champions would have a vacancy in the middle of the attack.
“AS” did not name any specific sources, but reported on assurances from Bayern to Ronaldo that they wanted to start the renewed attack on winning the Champions League with him. It has long been speculated that Ronaldo wants to leave Manchester United after just one season. According to reports, there are several interested parties in signing the five-time world footballer. Ronaldo is said to be looking for a new challenge at a top club with title chances at the end of his career.
Unexplained situation around Lewandowski
Could it really be Bayern? So far, the Munich club leaders have repeatedly assured that they do not want to let Lewandowski go. Even if FC Barcelona is said to have increased its transfer offer to 35 million euros according to “Bild”. “He has a contract until 2023. We’re happy if he shows up with us on the first day of training,” said Bayern CEO Oliver Kahn at the presentation of top access Mané.
Sports director Hasan Salihamidzic told Sky TV about the chances of Lewandowski staying: “So far it’s 100 percent.” Kahn and he recently had “a good conversation” with Lewandowski and his advisor Pini Zahavi on Ronaldo’s holiday island of Mallorca.
After all, Salihamidzic left the commitment of further newcomers open. “First we have to see what is possible. Which dominoes fall in one direction or the other. But the transfer period is still very long, we will be surprised,” said the 45-year-old.
«No investment in the future»
A transfer from Ronaldo would be more than a surprise, more of a sensation. With a view to the economic consequences of the corona pandemic, Bayern had repeatedly referred to the limits on transfer spending and salaries. And they already have some over 30 players in their squad. Despite his age, Ronaldo is unlikely to settle for a bottom place on the payroll when moving to a new employer.
In addition, the commitment of the moody model athlete would not be an investment in the future, but a short-term adventure. So it seems more logical that Bayern should continue to try to extend the contract with Serge Gnabry (26), who is eleven years younger than him and expires in 2023. “He’s a great boy. We really want to keep him, »said Salihamidzic to Gnabry.
If Munich’s Gnabry and Lewandowski should persuade them to stay, they would have the best offensive personnel in Europe on paper with these two attackers as well as Mané, Thomas Müller, Kingsley Coman, Leroy Sané and Jamal Musiala. And all without Cristiano Ronaldo.