Bayern Munich leave door open for future Erling Haaland move

City were found guilty by the Premier League on September 29 of serious financial rule breaches covering nine seasons between 2009 and 2018, as well as most of the charges relating to their alleged failure to co-operate with the investigation. 

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

The case has raised questions about the potential consequences for City, including the possibility of relegation if severe sporting sanctions are imposed. However, no relegation decision has been announced, and the outcome of the appeal remains a key factor in determining the club's future.

Against that background, Haaland has been linked with Bayern again, although Hainer insists the German champions have no immediate need to strengthen their attack.

Speaking to BILD, the Bayern president highlighted the quality of the club's current forward line, which includes England captain Harry Kane, Michael Olise and Luis Díaz.

"With Kane, Olise, Díaz, 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," Hainer said.

However, the 72-year-old was less dismissive when asked whether Haaland could become a realistic target in the coming years.

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

Hainer's comments do not suggest Bayern are actively pursuing the Manchester City striker, but they leave the door open to a potential move in the future.

Bayern must also consider their long-term plans for Kane, who is 33 and has a contract running until the summer of 2027.

The Munich club are working towards extending the England captain's deal, with Hainer previously indicating that negotiations were progressing positively.

Nevertheless, Bayern will eventually need to plan for life beyond Kane, and Haaland would be an obvious candidate given his goalscoring record and status among the world's leading strikers.

Bayern were interested in the Norwegian before he left Borussia Dortmund for Manchester City in 2022, but bringing him to Munich would require a substantial financial commitment in transfer fees and wages.