Bayern Munich confirm Robert Lewandowski transfer decision as Xavi hints at Barcelona interest
Bayern Munich sporting director Hasan Salihamidžić has confirmed that Robert Lewandowski wants to leave the club this summer.
Lewandowski sensationally joined the Bavarian giants as a free agent in 2014, following a spell at rivals Borussia Dortmund. He’s since gone on to become the club’s second all-time leading scorer. The 33-year-old Polish marksman sees his present deal expire in June 2023 and there’s no interest on his part to renew.
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“I have spoken with Lewa. In the conversation he told me that he does not want to accept our offer to extend his contract and that he would like to leave the club,” Salihamidzic told reporters.
Just this week, Bayern president Herbert Hainer told Germany’s Sportbuzzer: “Robert Lewandowski has a contract with FC Bayern until June 30, 2023. And he will fulfill it.”
There will be no shortage of suitors for his signature, either this summer or next. At the time of writing, he’s bagged 343 goals across 374 matches in all competitions, subsequently winning one European Golden Shoe and five Kicker-Torjägerkanone, which is given to the Bundesliga’s top scorer.
It’s likely he’ll join one of Europe’s other super clubs with Spain a probable destination. In the past, Lewandsowksi has been heavily linked with Real Madrid but the Champions League finalist have their own world-class number nine (Karim Benzema) and seem determined to land PSG forward Kylian Mbappe.
Barcelona, on the other hand, are lacking a quality out-and-out striker with both Memphis Depay and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang preferring to drift wide and cut inside. Lewandowski is able to complement either and head coach Xavi has no issue signing anyone who is entering the latter stages of their playing career.
“When it comes to signing, age doesn’t concern me… we signed Dani Alves when he was 38,” head coach Xavi told reporters.
“Players take care of themselves, they’re more professional. (Dani) Alves, (Zlatan) Ibrahimović, (Luka) Modrić, Cristiano (Ronaldo) or (Lionel) Messi are examples.”
Barça manager Xavi on Lewandowski deal: “When it comes to signing, age doesn't concern me… we signed Dani Alves when he was 38!”. 🔴👀 #FCB
“Players take care of themselves, they're more professional. Alves, Ibrahimović, Modrić, Cristiano or Messi are examples”.@barcacentre
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 14, 2022
A natural-born winner Lewandowski is an eight-time Bundesliga champion with Bayern and has also lifted three German Cups as well as the European Cup two summers ago.
