The case against Manchester City appears to be a concern for FC Bayern as well. As BILD soccer editor Christian Falk reports, officials in Munich are closely monitoring developments surrounding the allegations against the top English club. However, Bayern is not taking any concrete action at this time.
According to the report, the German record champions want to wait and see how the situation unfolds and what the outcome of the ongoing proceedings—or any potential further legal action—will be. Depending on the outcome, various consequences for Manchester City are on the table.
The matter is also of interest to Bayern because any potential sanctions could affect the roster of the top English club. Nevertheless, the Munich club does not want to react prematurely at this time.
Bayern is holding back regarding Man City
According to Falk, another factor is the close relationship between the two clubs and their leadership. Just last week, there was a meeting with former Bayern and City coach Pep Guardiola, which Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Uli Hoeneß are said to have attended.
This is another reason why Munich is currently holding back. Guardiola coached FC Bayern from 2013 to 2016 and continues to maintain contact with his former club.
According to Falk, Bayern wants to first observe what consequences the proceedings will actually have for Manchester City. Only once there is clarity could the situation become relevant for the German record champions from a sporting perspective as well.
Haaland is not on FC Bayern’s radar
Recently, there has been speculation that Bayern might position themselves in the event of potential departures from Manchester. The name Erling Haaland has come up most prominently in this context. However, Falk expressly denies these rumors.
According to him, Bayern Munich is not viewing Haaland as a concrete transfer target. While the Norwegian striker is highly regarded from a sporting perspective at Bayern Munich—as he is at virtually all top European clubs—signing him is not currently on the table.
The main reason is Harry Kane. Bayern is currently focused on extending the contract of its own star striker. Talks are reportedly going well. A decision is expected after the international break.
A two-year extension is on the table, possibly supplemented by an option for an additional season. Should Kane extend his contract, Bayern Munich’s center-forward position would be solidly covered for the long term.
Added to this are the financial implications of a potential Haaland transfer. According to information from Falk, the Norwegian is set to earn around 35 million euros per year at Manchester City. Such a salary is significantly higher than what Bayern typically pays.
Even if potential sanctions were to create an unusual transfer situation, significant costs beyond just the salary would be expected. Therefore, there is currently no concrete reason for Bayern—neither from a sporting nor an economic perspective—to pursue Haaland.