Lothar Matthäus thinks Erling Haaland-to-Bayern Munich can’t happen until Robert Lewandowski retires

If there was ever a player who looked capable of filling Robert Lewandowski’s boots for Bayern Munich when the Polish Hitman retires, it is Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland.

Tall, fast, strong, and with the ability to score in every conceivable way on the pitch, Haaland looks like a seamless and natural fit to be Bayern Munich’s “9” for the next generation.

Legendary player-turned-pundit Lothar Matthäus feels that way. Matthäus, however, thinks timing is a huge issue in that happening.

“(Haaland) could succeed Robert Lewandowski at Bayern Munich in two or three years if Lewandowski should think about the end of his career,” Matthäus told Sport1 (as captured by Goal). “But, Lewandowski is currently in form, Haaland too and as long as Lewandowski is playing for Bayern, I don’t think Haaland will come, because they will not be able to play with a Haaland-Lewandowski double because they would take away each other’s strengths. Bayern will not think about selling Lewandowski. He will end his great career in Munich. Only when Lewandowski is no longer with Bayern will the place for Haaland in Munich be freed up.”

And with no room for Haaland in Munich for the foreseeable future, one of the world’s top young players will likely move on from the Bundesliga in this upcoming summer transfer window or in 2022 when his release clause will reportedly come into play.

“Haaland is already on the list of top clubs, right at the top as a striker. At Real Madrid, because with Karim Benzema they have a player of a certain age. His father has already played in the Premier League. That could be interesting too,” Matthäus said. “He will not serve Borussia Dortmund for life. He’ll look for bigger clubs, he’ll get a higher income. If he stays in the Bundesliga, there is only one step for him: FC Bayern.”

The list of top clubs who have already allegedly expressed interest is Haaland is a “who’s who” of power teams. Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Manchester City are among those organizations who have been linked to a pursuit of the 20-year-old phenom.