Update: German media and Spanish media on opposite sides of Bayern Munich’s rumored pursuit of Cristiano Ronaldo

Update: July 5th, 7:30PM EST — Ronaldo...in or out?

According to Bild journalists Christian Falk and Tobi Altschäffl, Bayern Munich is not pursuing Cristiano Ronaldo because his wages might blow up the squad’s structure — and because he would not be able to press effectively:

Interestingly, there is clearly a division in this story depending on who is doing the reporting and it seems to vary by country. Regardless, with sporting director Hasan “Brazzo” Salihamidžić operating in stealth mode, anything is possible.

Update: July 5th, 5:00PM EST — Spanish outlet claims Bayern is talking to Ronaldo

Despite claims from sporting director Hasan “Brazzo” Salihamidžić that the club is not interested in Cristiano Ronaldo, As is reporting that Bayern Munich is talking to the player’s camp:

The German club has been the first to take the step of taking an interest in Cristiano’s situation and transmitting its desire to have him, if Lewandowski finally ends up going to Barcelona. On June 23, As reported this. Despite the fact that Bayern’s sports director, Hasan Salihamidzic, denied any approach to Cristiano, the contacts between the German club and the footballer’s entourage remain. Cristiano meets the requirements of the profile that Bayern is looking for to replace his star: that he ensures immediate performance, that he is a top-level player, and age does not matter.

Hmmm....

—C.Smith

Per a report from The Independent, Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is looking to leave Old Trafford in search of greener pastures, specifically clubs who are regulars in the Champions League or at least contenders for domestic silverware (looks like we have our winner!), and will make big sacrifices to do so.

Bayern Munich and Chelsea are the Portuguese striker’s feasible destinations, with Paris Saint-Germain an outsider to sign the former Real Madrid and Juventus attacker. Man United don’t want to sell to a direct Premier League rival and PSG isn’t an option. Are the stars lining up for Bayern here?

However, Ronaldo’s quest for a new club may prove to be unsuccessful due to his current wages. Ronaldo earns £500,000 a week in Manchester, although some sources say he earns up to £700,000. This made Ronaldo consider lowering his wages to secure a move away from United.

Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images

Another reason why clubs are balking at signing Ronaldo is the baggage that he brings. Pressing issues? Not a team player? Influence in the locker room? Unfavorable fanbase? Media frenzy? Whatever the case, Ronaldo will certainly attract attention regardless of which club he moves to. There’s also the chance that Ronaldo ends up staying in England and make do with the current squad and hope that new manager Erik ten Hag has tricks up his sleeve.

Bayern sporting director Hasan “Brazzo” Salihamidžić downplayed the rumors linking Ronaldo to Munich. “Cristiano Ronaldo is a top player with an outstanding career”, Brazzo said. “However, the rumor that is circulating is a rumor that has nothing to do with it.”

Bayern signing Ronaldo also depends on the situation of Robert Lewandowski, who Bayern are holding on to despite the Polish striker fighting tooth and nail to secure a move to FC Barcelona. For the moment, the prospect of the Portuguese star playing in Munich seems remote.

Interested in how Cristiano Ronaldo might fit in at Bayern Munich? Why not check out our podcast? In this latest episode, we did a deep dive into the CR7 rumors swirling around Bayern Munich at the moment, as well as the potential switch to a 4-3-3 formation. Listen to it below or at this link.