Report: Bayern Munich will not trigger Norwegian starlet Erling Haaland’s release clause

RB Salzburg’s 19-year-old Erling Haaland has caught the eye some of football’s elite European clubs with his dazzling performances thus far in the Champions League. Bayern Munich. Arsenal, Manchester United, RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund have all been linked with the youngster in recent weeks. However, Bild now confirms that Bayern does not intend to sign Haaland this winter. Per Christian Falk:

It was originally understood that Bayern was interested in trying to sign Haaland in the winter transfer window, but had been put off by his release clause of approximately €30 million. But Bild now has learned that Haaland’s release clause with Salzburg is actually closer to €20 million. But despite that discount, Bayern’s main reason for passing on Haaland is the fact that he would have to serve primarily as a backup striker to the prolific Robert Lewandowski, who is currently having one of the best season’s of his life. It simply would be unrealistic to bring in a quality backup striker who would only stagnate on the bench. And Serge Gnabry has shown with Germany that he can play effectively at striker if needed.

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As it stands, among the clubs that have expressed interest in Haaland, Dortmund seems to be the front-runner in the race to sign him. Dortmund has been in the market for a striker, having failed to sign one this past summer. On the surface, Dortmund also looks like the best fit to allow Haaland to follow his developmental trajectory, who played for both Molde FK and Bryne FK before moving to Salzburg in 2018. Not to mention the fact that Dortmund has a good relationship with Haaland’s agent, Mino Raiola.

Unfortunately for Bayern, the circumstantial evidence as it stands makes it look most likely that Haaland will wind up at Dortmund as early as this winter.