Back in 2021, Bayern Munich almost made a shock move for then-Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland. The pursuit actually went as far as Haaland making a visit to the home of then-Bayern Munich sporting director Hasan “Brazzo” Salihamidžić.
In his new book — “Transfer Insider” — Sport Bild journalist Christian Falk dove inside how it all played out (via @iMiaSanMia):
“It’s Sunday, March 7, 2021, when [Mino] Raiola’s phone rings. The agent knows the number and answers – “We need to talk!”, Hasan
Salihamidžić begins the conversation. It’s been less than 24 hours since Erling Haaland and Dortmund lost 4-2 to FC Bayern.
Dortmund were already aware that Haaland will not fulfill his contract, which runs until June 30, 2024. He has a release clause that BVB had to grant to agent Raiola when they signed the striker from Salzburg for €20 million. Amount of the release clause: €60 million.
Raiola listens carefully to what Salihamidžić has to say. Haaland would visit him at home. Raiola gave Haaland precise directions. They read: Salihamidžić’s property in the Munich district of Harlaching. Haaland drives to Brazzo’s house and finds himself face to face with the Bayern sporting director. “I like the house. I’d like to have it,” Haaland tells Brazzo, before adding, “But for free!”
The cheeky remark breaks the ice between the two. Haaland is impressed by how the Bayern management is acting as a team. They show him how the club is planning for him and how they intend to build the team around him. He is THE player of FC Bayern’s sporting future, they told him. Bayern will go beyond the limit financially to sign him, something never before seen in the club’s history. The words had an impact on Haaland.
Then Raiola picks up the phone. He tells Salihamidžić: “You’ve convinced the boy! Now we need to talk about money.” – The agent tells him about the demands. Salihamidžić tells Raiola that he needs to consult with the boards in Munich. He can never decide on such a sum on his own.
After a few weeks, Bayern contacted Raiola: They had prepared an offer. Raiola then boarded a jet and flew to Munich for negotiations. The agent tells the Bayern delegation that the Haalands are genuinely interested. Then he listens to what Salihamidžić has to say. While Bayern can’t pay as high a salary as Premier League clubs, team Haaland is assured that father and son will receive a generous share of any future record sale.
Raiola wasn’t just holding talks with Bayern. Together with Haaland’s father Alfie, he was traveling halfway across Europe to listen to offers from clubs.
Raiola calls FC Bayern: “The transfer won’t happen. What I can tell you is that you were top of the list for a long time, from a sporting perspective. You had the best arguments. But financially, you were outbid.”
Wow…there is a lot to unpack here, so let’s do it:
- Bayern Munich actually had the best plan for Haaland as acknowledged by player and his entourage.
- The relationship genuinely seemed like it was not just good, but great.
- Bayern Munich got very creative to try and land the deal by offering a cut of a future sale.
- Financially, Bayern Munich just could not match up with the immediacy of the money Manchester City could offer.
- While not reported here, this was — allegedly — one of the reasons why Robert Lewandowski started to plan his exit strategy (unhappiness playing for Julian Nagelsmann and his wife’s desire to move to Spain were — allegedly — other big reasons).
What can fans take out of this? The high-level details of this story we knew, but the finer details added a touch to it we had not yet heard about. Bayern Munich pushed hard, gave its best effort, and just could not match the money being bandied about by Manchester City.
What else does it mean? Well, Bayern Munich could actually have a chance to have Haaland as Kane’s successor — if it can plan to lob a massive bid for him and to also pay him a ridiculous salary.
Is it possible for 2026? Maybe…and #Project2026 might just have a new life line.
Matchday 2 delivered — and it almost feels cruel that we now have to wait two weeks for Bundesliga action.
In this episode of the Bundesliga Rundown, Marcus covers:
- Why Hamburger SV never matched Bayern Munich’s success
- What makes St. Pauli the most unique club in German football
- The thrilling 3-3 draw between Werder Bremen and Bayer Leverkusen
- Why Bayer Leverkusen sacked Erik ten Hag in a historical fashion — and why Marcus thinks it might have been the right call
- … and much, much, more.
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Also, be sure to stay tuned to Bavarian Podcast Works for all of your up to date coverage on Bayern Munich and Germany. Check us out on Patreon and follow us on Twitter @BavarianFBWorks, @BavarianPodcast @TheBarrelBlog, @BFWCyler, @2012nonexistent, @TommyAdams71 and more.
