Speculations in a loop: What will happen to Haaland and Lewandowski?

Where is Erling Haaland going? How long will Robert Lewandowski play in Munich? How is Haaland’s agent Mino Raiola? There are many questions about the personal details of the two most prominent Bundesliga strikers.

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.

Robert Lewandowski celebrates: he scored 236 goals in 240 Bundesliga games for Bayern (Photo: Sven Hoppe/dpa)

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 on Friday about Lewandowski.

Max Kruse was also in contact with Bavaria's sports director Hasan Salihamidzic in the summer of 2019 (Photo: picture alliance / Groothuis / Wit)
Difficult task for Bayern’s sports director Hasan Salihamidzic. Can he reach an agreement with Robert Lewandowski? (Photo: picture alliance / Groothuis/Wit)

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 isn’t wise.”

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”.

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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 the Haaland negotiations?

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.

Mino Raiola denies his own death (Photo: AFP)
Mino Raiola denies his own death. But he is considered seriously ill (Photo: AFP)

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.

How serious are reports of an alleged Bayern meeting with Haaland?

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.

Munich CEO Oliver Kahn during an interview during the FC Bayern game against RB Leipzig (Photo: picture alliance/dpa)
Munich CEO Oliver Kahn downplays a possible Haaland commitment (Photo: picture alliance/dpa)

“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?

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.


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What does Haaland poker have to do with Lewandowski’s future at 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.

What’s next for Lewandowski?

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.

dpa

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