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Bayern Munich reiterate Cristiano Ronaldo stance despite Robert Lewandowski exit

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 16 July 2022

Bayern reiterate Ronaldo stance despite Lewandowski exit

Bayern Munich sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic reiterates that the club are not planning a move for Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo.

Bayern Munich sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic has reiterated that the German champions are not interested in signing Cristiano Ronaldo during his summer's transfer window.

Ronaldo has told Manchester United that he wants to leave Old Trafford in the current market, and Bayern were believed to be one of the favourites for his signature.

However, earlier this month, Bayern director Oliver Kahn said that the club were not planning to explore a possible deal for the 37-year-old this summer.

"As much as I appreciate Cristiano Ronaldo as one of the greatest players, a move would not fit into our philosophy," Kahn told Kicker when asked about a possible move to Allianz Arena.

Bayern have reportedly now agreed to sell Robert Lewandowski to Barcelona, with the Poland saying goodbye to his teammates on Saturday morning ahead of making the trip to Spain.

Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski celebrates scoring their third goal to complete his hat-trick on March 8, 2022 © Reuters

There have since been suggestions that Bayern could now move for the Portugal international as a direct replacement for Lewandowski.

However, Salihamidzic has confirmed the German champions still have no interest in the unsettled forward.

"I have a lot of respect for Cristiano Ronaldo, his successes and his career. But once again: That was and is not a topic for us," Salihamidzic told SPORT1.

Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes is also believed to have held talks with Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain this summer in the hope of finding a new club for his client.

However, the European pair have also allegedly rejected the chance to sign the former Sporting Lisbon youngster, who could now be forced to remain at Man United this summer.

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo during the match on January 3, 2022 © Reuters

There has also been talk of a substantial offer from an unnamed Saudi Arabian club, with Ronaldo receiving income of €275m (£233m) spread across two years under the terms of the proposal.

However, the forward has reportedly rejected the offer, as he wants to continue playing in the Champions League and challenging for the biggest trophies at this stage of his career.

Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag recently insisted that his star forward was not for sale despite the ongoing speculation surrounding his future.

"We are planning for Cristiano Ronaldo for the season and that's it," Ten Hag told reporters. "I'm looking forward to working with him. I have read [that he wants to leave], but what I say is Cristiano is not for sale, he is in our plans and we want success together.

"I spoke with him before this issue came up, I had a conversation with him and I had a good talk. That is between Cristiano and me. What I can confirm is we had a really good conversation together."

Ronaldo, who has another 12 months left to run on his deal, with the option of a further year, scored 24 goals and registered three assists in 37 appearances at club level last season.