Matthaus effectively rules Bayern Munich out of Haaland transfer running
As long as Robert Lewandowski is firing for Bayern Munich, a transfer for Erling Haaland will not happen, according to legend Lothar Matthaus.
Borussia Dortmund striker Haaland’s rise to prominence has been quick. Only three years ago the 20-year-old was stuck in the Molde reserves.
However, after significant progress in the last three years Leeds-born Haaland is one of the most coveted strikers in Europe.
Real Madrid and Barcelona are understood to be watching the striker, who has 27 goals already this season. Bayern Munich have also been linked with the Norway star, while Manchester United failed with a move for him in January 2020.
Haaland does have a clause in his deal at Dortmund. . This states he can now leave the Westfallonstadion in 2022 should any club match his £63m release fee.
Matthaus says Bayern are the “only step” for Haaland if he wants to remain in the Bundesliga. However, he does not think a move is possible while Lewandowski is around.
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Bayern ‘will not sell’ Lewandowski
Matthaus has told Sport 1: “Haaland is already on the list of top clubs, right at the top as a striker. At Real Madrid, because with Karim Benzema they have a player of a certain age. His father has already played in the Premier League. That could be interesting too.
“He will not serve Borussia Dortmund for life. He’ll look for bigger clubs, he’ll get a higher income. If he stays in the Bundesliga, there is only one step for him: FC Bayern.”
“With Kylian Mbappe he can follow in the footsteps of the other great world footballers of the last 13 or 14 years.
“He could succeed Robert Lewandowski at Bayern Munich in two or three years if Lewandowski should think about the end of his career. But, Lewandowski is currently in form, Haaland too and as long as Lewandowski is playing for Bayern, I don’t think Haaland will come, because they will not be able to play with a Haaland-Lewandowski double because they would take away each other’s strengths.
“Bayern will not think about selling Lewandowski. He will end his great career in Munich. Only when Lewandowski is no longer with Bayern will the place for Haaland in Munich be freed up.”
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