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 Mané as the king’s transfer than the Ronaldo rumor in the Spanish sports newspaper “AS” about 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 center of attack.
“AS” did not name any specific sources, but reported on Bayern’s assurances 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’ll be happy if he shows up with us on the first day of training,” said Bayern CEO Oliver Kahn when introducing top signing Mané. Sports director Hasan Salihamidzic told the Sky TV channel about the chances of Lewandowski staying: “So far it’s 100 percent.”
After all, Salihamidzic left the commitment of further newcomers open. “First we have to see what’s possible. Which dominoes fall in one direction or the other. But the transfer period is still a long time coming, we’re going to 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 Mané, Thomas Müller, Kingsley Coman, Leroy Sané and Jamal Musiala. And all without Cristiano Ronaldo.
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