Bayern were close to signing Erling Haaland, club president reveals

The Bavarians were keen to add the former Borussia Dortmund star to their ranks last summer.

Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer has revealed his side came close to signing Erling Haaland in the summer transfer window.

A host of elite European sides pushed to sign Haaland, with Manchester City eventually securing his signature.

Bayern’s interest in signing Haaland wasn’t a secret, with German media claiming it was one of the main reasons behind Robert Lewandowski‘s exit.

Hainer has now, for the first time, confirmed Bayern actually had a good chance of signing the Norwegian striker.

“Haaland is interesting for every top club in the world. We had the best chances (to sign him) alongside Manchester City,” Hainer told Mediengruppe Bayern.

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“We may have fewer financial possibilities than other top international clubs. But we can score points in Europe with our identity. Players here get their wages on time and are treated like family.

“We also offer title perspectives, which is what matters most to players.”

Bayern signed Sadio Mane to cover for Lewandowski’s absence up front. However, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting’s newly-found form has provided Julian Nagelsmann with a solid number nine option recently.

Asked about the Cameroonian star, Hainer added: “That shows how flexible Julian Nagelsmann is and how willing he is to develop. He recognized that he had to change something during this phase and made Choupo-Moting a starter at the striker position.”