Bayern Munich rule out Cristiano Ronaldo move: "He doesn't fit our philosophy"
Bayern Munich CEO Oliver Kahn has explained why the Germans won't make a move for the Portuguese star
Cristiano Ronaldo looks highly unlikely to join Bayern Munich this summer after the German champions’ CEO Oliver Kahn ruled out a move.
The Portuguese star has asked to leave Manchester United if an offer arrives from a Champions League club.
He wants to be competing in European football’s top club competition next season, but United only qualified for the Europa League last term.
Ronaldo’s shock request led to widespread speculation about where he could head next, with Bayern among the clubs linked with a move.
However, former Germany goalkeeper Kahn explained why the Bavarians won’t be pursuing a deal.
“As much as I appreciate Cristiano Ronaldo as one of the greatest ever, a transfer would not fit into our philosophy,” Kahn told Kicker.
The newspaper writes that Kahn was likely alluding to Ronaldo’s advanced age of 37, his salary demands, his huge global profile, and the recent tactical struggles of Juventus and United with the Portuguese up front.
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Manchester United have reportedly softened their stance and won’t stand in Ronaldo’s way if he wants to leave, having previously stood firm in their determination not to sell him.
Chelsea have been linked with a move, after new owner Todd Boehly reportedly held talks about the possibility, and Ronaldo would consider a switch to Stamford Bridge.
More Manchester United stories
Frenkie de Jong has been United's top target this summer and the Red Devils are close to agreeing a deal - although they remain willing to walk away if the price isn't right and Harry Maguire even came up in talks at one point.
A bid has been submitted for Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez, while United are closing in on Feyenoord left-back Tyrell Malacia.
Marco Asensio of Real Madrid has emerged as a surprise target, but Erik ten Hag will have a budget of just £100 million to work with this summer.
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Alasdair Mackenzie is a freelance journalist based in Rome, and a FourFourTwo contributor since 2015. When not pulling on the FFT shirt, he can be found at Reuters, The Times and the i. An Italophile since growing up on a diet of Football Italia on Channel 4, he now counts himself among thousands of fans sharing a passion for Ross County and Lazio.