Bayern Munich refuse to rule out future move for Manchester City striker Erling Haaland

Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer says the German club could consider a move for Erling Haaland in the future, although he insists there is no immediate need to add to their attack.

Speculation about Haaland’s long-term future has intensified following Manchester City’s financial case. City were found guilty by the Premier League on September 29 of serious financial rule breaches covering nine seasons between 2009 and 2018, along with most of the charges concerning their alleged failure to co-operate with the investigation.

The club was charged in February 2023 after a four-year investigation. City have consistently denied wrongdoing and formally appealed the findings on October 1.

The case has raised questions about possible consequences for Manchester City, including relegation if severe sporting sanctions are imposed. However, no relegation decision has been announced, and the result of the appeal remains central to determining the club’s future.

Haaland, who joined City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022, has subsequently been linked with a return to Germany and a move to Bayern. Hainer, though, said Bayern’s current attacking options mean the club is well equipped for the present.

Speaking to BILD, the Bayern president pointed to England captain Harry Kane, Michael Olise and Luis Diaz among the forwards already available to the Munich club.

“With Kane, Olise, Diaz, and the others, we have an outstanding attacking line. We scored over 120 goals last season. So I think we are very well positioned in attack,” said Hainer.

The 72-year-old was more open when asked whether Haaland could become a realistic target in the next few years.

“When we talk about the future in a few years, the situation will be different, and we’ll see,” he added.

Hainer’s remarks do not indicate that Bayern are actively trying to sign the Manchester City striker, but they leave open the possibility of a move at a later stage.

Bayern’s longer-term planning will also need to take account of Kane’s future. The England captain is 33 and has a contract with the club until the summer of 2027.

Bayern are working towards extending Kane’s agreement, with Hainer previously saying negotiations were progressing positively. Even so, the club will eventually have to prepare for life after the former Tottenham striker.

Haaland would represent an obvious option because of his goalscoring record and standing among the leading strikers in world football. Bayern were interested in the Norway international before he left Borussia Dortmund for Manchester City, but any attempt to bring him to Munich would require a substantial investment in both transfer fees and wages.