Rome/Dortmund/Munich (dpa) – The future of Bayern Munich’s world footballer Robert Lewandowski and Borussia Dortmund’s star striker Erling Haaland has been hotly debated for weeks.
It remains to be seen what effects the health of Haaland advisor Mino Raiola will have on the future of the 21-year-old Norwegian. Haaland’s expected decision on where he will play next season could bring new momentum.
“It’s always good when you have planning security in all areas of life, including with a striker,” said Bayern coach Julian Nagelsmann about Lewandowski. When asked about a comparison of the two top strikers, he pointed out their differences. “There are completely different types of players, you can’t compare them with each other: in terms of age, the way they play, and the experience, it’s something completely different,” said Nagelsmann. “I’ve learned before that comparing apples and oranges is not advisable.”
How is Haaland’s agent Mino Raiola?
There is no official bulletin on the condition of the 54-year-old consultant. After the false reports about the alleged death, the manager himself and his doctor expressed outrage. Judging by the few comments, Raiola is not doing well in a Milan clinic: chief physician Alberto Zangrillo tweeted that the patient was “fighting”. Raiola’s confidante José Fortes Rodriguez told Dutch broadcaster NOS that it “looks bad”.
Italian media reported that football star Zlatan Ibrahimovic visited the consultant in the hospital on Thursday afternoon. Mario Balotelli, also a Raiola player, wrote on Instagram next to a media scolding: #staystrongmino (Stay strong, Mino).
What role does Mino Raiola play in negotiations over Erling Haaland’s future?
It is unclear to what extent Raiola, in his condition from the hospital, is involved in current transfer and contract talks, especially with Haaland. Raiola has a small team of employees in his agency, but he is clearly the negotiator. In the case of Haaland, there is also the fact that father Alf-Inge is also involved in all negotiations and is always in close contact with Raiola.
What is the status of Haaland’s future?
Manchester City is and remains the clear favorite for the Norwegian’s commitment – and would also be best able to handle the entire financial package. Ex-Bundesliga professional Jan-Aage Fjörtoft, who is considered a close confidant of the Haaland family, assured last week that Bayern were still interested. Third contender is Real Madrid. However, the royals will probably sign Kylian Mbappé from Paris Saint-Germain and will hardly handle two transfers of this dimension in one summer. Haaland is probably just the back-up here.
How seriously are reports of an alleged meeting between Bayern and Haaland to be taken?
Those involved have not confirmed this. Haaland is said to have been in Munich in March to have a muscle injury treated. During this period, a conversation between the striker and Bayern sports director Hasan Salihamidzic is said to have taken place. Regardless of this speculation, CEO Oliver Kahn recently said that FC Bayern had dealt with the Haaland personality. “We wouldn’t do our job well if we didn’t deal with a young striker,” said Kahn about two weeks ago. A package of transfer fee, salary and consultant’s commission for the 21-year-old Norwegian is “very, very far from what we imagine,” said Kahn. “These are financial dimensions that are beyond our imagination.”
How likely is Haaland to stay in Dortmund beyond the end of the season?
Even if the matter has been delayed for a long time, very little. Haaland wants to leave, that’s obvious. Dortmund has long since come to terms with it, is annoyed by the theater and has long been looking for successors. It cannot be assumed that Raiola’s state of health alone will ensure that Haaland will stay in Dortmund for another year.
What does Haaland poker have to do with the future of Robert Lewandowski from FC Bayern?
There is speculation about this almost every day, because at some point FC Bayern will need a successor for the 33-year-old top earner Lewandowski. However, the people of Munich have clearly positioned themselves for its future. “He has a contract until June 30, 2023. We will now have talks and see how they develop. Now we have time to talk about what is after June 30, 2023,” said Salihamidzic after winning the tenth championship in a row. As an adequate successor, Haaland seems unaffordable, but the speculation does not stop. With a decision on Lewandowski’s future, the Haaland question could also gain new momentum.
What’s next for Lewandowski?
The player side and the club will explore that. Since Lewandowski’s contract runs for more than a year, the record champions are not under pressure. Bayern’s top earner Lewandowski currently guarantees goals and success despite his 33 years. Ultimately, Munich could also get over it if the striker, who was signed on a free transfer in the summer of 2014, also left the club for free in 2023. According to the French radio station “RMC” on Thursday, consultant Pini Zahavi wanted to ask Bayern “for approval” for his client. FC Barcelona is said to be interested in a transfer. Such a deal would be conceivable for an adequate transfer fee in the mid double-digit range.