Bayer Leverkusen's Simon Rolfes Nearly Joined Bayern Munich

Simon Rolfes, currently serving as the sporting director at Bayer Leverkusen, was reportedly close to joining Bayern Munich, as revealed by former player agent Lars-Wilhelm Baumgarten.

Baumgarten told Bild football editor Christian Falk that negotiations for Rolfes's move to Bayern were at an advanced stage, with then-coach Jupp Heynckes strongly supporting the transfer and intending for Rolfes to play a significant role in the Bayern squad.

Despite the promising prospects, Rolfes ultimately decided against the transfer. Baumgarten explained that emotional and sporting factors outweighed Bayern's offer, with Rolfes feeling comfortable at Leverkusen and unwilling to give up his captaincy.

Rolfes remained loyal to Bayer Leverkusen for ten years as a player before retiring in summer 2015. He later moved into club management and assumed the role of sporting director in 2022.

In his current position, Rolfes was involved in a public dispute with Bayern fan favorite Sven Ulreich during a Bayer away game at the Allianz Arena in September, following Ulreich's insult directed at him.