Through its sporting director, Hasan Salihamidzic, Bayern Munich denied having tried to sign Leo Messi, who is no longer a Barcelona player. The Bavarian club's director acknowledged that the reason is financial. The Argentine's fee is too high even without a transfer fee.
Bayern Munich sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic said that Lionel Messi joining the German champions after his departure from Barcelona is a mere "illusion" and "unthinkable" because of the amount of money of the fee.
Speaking on German sports television 'Sport1', Salihamidzic said that "unfortunately it is not possible" for Messi to join the Bavarian club shortly after the Argentine star, at a press conference in Barcelona, did not take his future for granted, although many media reports have already placed him at PSG next season.
"We have not negotiated," stressed the Bayern sporting director, who pointed out that the figures being bandied about in Messi's deal are "unthinkable" for the German champions, even without a buyout clause. Salihamidzic also acknowledged his side's interest in Norwegian striker Erling Haaland, now with German rivals Borussia Dortmund.
"Of course, he's a very good player and he's very young. That's where you have to pay attention. He's a top player who is probably wanted by everyone," said the Bayern Munich sporting director.