Robert Lewandowski wants to leave Bayern Munich this summer, and Barcelona is interested. Pep Guardiola has spoken about how the two parties could work well together.
Pep Guardiola believes Robert Lewandowski would fit in immediately at Barcelona, despite reports that the Polish striker is on his way to the Catalan club.
After eight years at Bayern Munich, the 33-year-old has expressed his desire to leave this summer. He has been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona, while Chelsea and Manchester United are waiting to see if that proposed move falls through.
Lewandowski’s feelings have not gone unnoticed, and he has almost constantly expressed his desire to leave Bayern since the season ended. However, the German behemoths are so far unwilling to terminate his contract with one year remaining.
“I just want to leave Bayern,” he told the Polish news outlet Onet Sport. More important than the work is loyalty and respect. The best thing to do is work together to find a solution.
“They refused to listen to me until the very end.” Something died inside of me, and it’s impossible for me to get over it. You can’t make up for it, no matter how much you try.”
Despite turning 34 in August, Lewandowski remains one of the most prolific forwards in the world. Last season, he scored 50 goals in 46 games for Bayern, who won the Bundesliga with ease. In 2021, the forward was named Ballon d’Or Striker of the Year for his consistent performances for club and country.
“I have no idea, to be honest, but would he be a good fit? We are talking about Lewandowski,” the Manchester City boss, who used to manage the striker at Bayern, said via Sky Sports.
“He would fit in perfectly anywhere. But I’m not sure if Barcelona can sign him due to their financial situation, or if Bayern [Munich] will let him go.”
Barcelona is also eager to close a deal, but their financial situation makes it difficult. In fact, the Catalan club has continued with its transfer plans regardless.
Xavi wants to revamp the squad, and free transfers for AC Milan’s Franck Kessie and Chelsea’s Andreas Christensen have already been agreed upon, with the Dane soon to be joined by Blues pals Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpiliueta. They join a squad that includes £50 million signings Ferran Torres and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Arsenal.
Bayern Munich is rarely forced into the transfer market by their own players, and the veteran star’s antics have stunned the club. Munich president Herberet Hainer laid down the law when he reminded the striker of his contractual obligations.
“We have always stated that Robert Lewandowski is under contract with Bayern Munich until June 30, 2023.” And, well, a contract is a contract!” Hainer told Blid. “Where are we going if a player can terminate a contract early and we as a club must pay him in full until the end of the agreement?” That is not correct; it cannot be.
“I’m surprised Robert chose to go public; I wouldn’t have done so if I were him. He’s been with Bayern for a long time and has many titles with us. I believe he is well aware of what he has at Bayern, namely a club that treats its players well and does everything possible to ensure that they perform to their full potential.”
