Bayern Munich chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has refused to comment on a move for Manchester City’s Leroy Sané, but hinted the player won’t be moving for a large fee this summer.
The German giants have long been credited with an interest in the City forward, having come close to sealing a deal for him last summer.
That ultimately fell through when Sané picked up a season-ending injury in the Community Shield victory over Liverpool but they have consistently been linked with making a move ever since.
Reports earlier this month indicated they were looking to start the bidding at €40m, which were quickly dismissed amid rumours that their relationship with Manchester City had become tense.
The message from the Etihad was that they wanted Bayern, and the constant slew of rumours and comments on Sané to end, and Rummenigge appears to have taken the hint.
“I’m not talking about players who are under contract to other clubs,” he told SportBild when specifically asked about the player.
“I can only talk about the value of our players. One thing is clear: We too must act with foresight under the new circumstances.
“It is the task of Hasan Salihamidzic, Oliver Kahn and the coach to think about the squad planning for next season. That includes possible entries, but also exits.”
Should Sané move this summer as expected, it is unlikely he will do so for anything other than an extremely large fee.
Indeed, reports this week have indicated that Manchester City will demand as much as €80m for the forward, almost double what Bayern are said to be looking to pay.
Such a fee seems ludicrous given the current financial climate caused by COVID-19 but Rummenigge says there are still likely to be big moves regardless.
“That depends on the individual case,” he added.
“There will still be players whom demand a high price. But the big question is: Who is able to pay this price?
“Cash is a position that no longer exists on a large scale in professional football.
“Maybe it’s good that we are becoming a bit more rational and stable. After all, the risk for clubs has been increasing in recent years.”
