The football community was well entertained on Friday by the adventurous speculation about Cristiano Ronaldo’s future at FC Bayern. No sooner had the Munich bosses proudly presented their new “world star” Sadio Mane 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.
Bayern are said to want to replace their goal scorer Robert Lewandowski, who is willing to emigrate, with 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 center of attack. Bavaria’s sports director Hasan Salihamidzic referred the report to Sky to the realm of fables: “Cristiano Ronaldo is a top player with an outstanding career. However, the rumor that is circulating is a rumor with no truth to it.”
“AS” did not name any specific sources either, but the newspaper 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.
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 the “Bild” newspaper. “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 when introducing Mane.
Salihamidzic said of Lewandowski’s chances of staying: “So far it’s 100 percent.” After all, the sports director 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.
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 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.
Should Munich persuade Gnabry and Lewandowski to stay, they would have one of the best storm contingents in Europe with these two attackers as well as Mane, Thomas Müller, Kingsley Coman, Leroy Sane and Jamal Musiala. And all without Cristiano Ronaldo.
From: APA/dpa
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