Bayern Munich have ruled out the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo after CEO Oliver Kahn claimed the Manchester United striker did not match the “philosophy” of the German champions.
Ronaldo has told United he wants to leave, and the 37-year-old is believed to want Champions League football next season. United are in the Europa League and the club’s official position is that Ronaldo, who has one year left on a £ 490,000 a week contract, is not for sale. In private, United can hear offers, but Bayern will not be a contender.
“No matter how much I appreciate Cristiano Ronaldo as one of the greatest [footballers ever]a transfer would not fit into our philosophy, ”Kahn told Kicker.
Ronaldo did not train on Monday or Tuesday due to a family situation, and Wednesday was a day off for the players. Erik ten Hag’s team will have a session on Thursday, but it is unclear whether Ronaldo will attend or be on the plane on Friday when United fly to Thailand to begin a 15-day pre-season tour.
Tyrell Malacia, Ten Hag’s first signing as United coach, will be. Possible deals for Ten Hag’s other two targets, Frenkie de Jong and Christian Eriksen, will not be completed in time for either to join the Dutch defense.
With Eriksen’s free signing more advanced than a proposed € 65 million deal (£ 56.2 million) plus an additional deal for De Jong, the former could join United later on a trip that includes matches in Bangkok, Melbourne and Perth.
Borussia Dortmund have completed the signing of Sébastien Haller from Ajax on a four-year contract. German media reported that Dortmund paid an initial € 31 million (£ 26.5 million) for the striker, who joined Ajax from West Ham in January 2021.
“We are very happy to have been able to sign Sébastien Haller, an experienced center-forward who has recently caused a sensation in the Champions League,” said Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl. “The overall package is very promising. Sébastien has a strong physical presence and is physically very resilient.”
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The 28-year-old scored 34 goals in 43 games with Ajax last season, including 11 goals in eight Champions League games. He is the replacement for Erling Haaland, who has joined Manchester City.
Axel Witsel has joined Atlético de Madrid after leaving Dortmund at the end of his contract. The 33-year-old midfielder has signed a one-year contract.