Ex-Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has admitted that his former club are powerless to stop Erling Haaland seeking a new challenge abroad when his time at Borussia Dortmund comes to an end.
Haaland's impressive performances over the last 18 months for Dortmund led to Europe's elite pursuing the Norwegian across the summer.
Although Haaland did not leave Westfalenstadion before the window slammed shut on Tuesday, the in-demand striker could be set to make a move next summer.
However, Rummenigge, who stepped down as CEO in June, believes the Allianz Arena will not be the striker's destination.
The Bundesliga champions have been strongly linked with Haaland and have a history of luring Dortmund's best players away, but the former Allianz Arena chief believes the young talent's future lies outside of Germany.
'He has become an absolute figurehead in the league,' he told Sport Bild.
'But I'm afraid he won't be staying in the Bundesliga. The numbers that are circulating show that it's difficult to keep him in Germany. I assume that his future lies abroad.'
Haaland still has three years remaining on his contract at Dortmund but reportedly the deal contains a £64m release clause that will kick in next summer.
He has bagged an astounding 63 goals in 64 appearances and has provided 18 assists for the German side as he played a pivotal role in their DFB-Pokal success last season
As such, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United and Manchester City have all been credited with interest in the striker.
The LaLiga side were touted as potential suitors earlier in the summer but dropped their interest in favour of luring Kylian Mbappe away from PSG.
The French side then swooped on to the scene, viewing Haaland as a potential replacement for the World Cup winner, who was the subject of three bids from Real.
PSG contacted Haaland's agent Mino Raiola but a deal wasn't reached before Tuesday night's deadline and the young forward will have to wait until the next window opens to make a move.
However, Dortmund have been steadfast in insisting Haaland is going nowhere.
BVB boss Marco Rose has remained optimistic that his star striker will stay at Westfalenstadion for the long term.
'In the end, Erling has to decide for himself where he sees his future,' Rose said last month.
'In any case, we are happy that he is currently playing for us - and, who knows, possibly it'll be even more than just one season if we write an extraordinary story here.'