‘We’re not crazy’ – Bayern Munich chief clarifies Lewandowski future amid Barcelona reports

Robert Lewandowski smiling

Robert Lewandowski will stay with Bayern Munich due to a mutual appreciation of their working relationship, according to CEO Oliver Kahn.

Lewandowski has emerged as a major transfer target for Barcelona in recent weeks. Regarded by many as the best striker in the world, the move to La Liga may be what he needs to finally get his hands on the Ballon d’Or.

The Poland international has, in the eyes of some, been worthy of the prize of the world’s best player for the past two years. However, in 2020, it was not awarded, and in 2021, it went to Lionel Messi, even though Lewandowski claimed FIFA’s equivalent.

This season, he should be in contention for the top honour again, having hit 47 goals in all competitions. By the time of the ceremony in October, it remains to be seen which club Lewandowski will be representing.

Sources earlier this week claimed Lewandowski may even have an agreement to join Barcelona. They could give him a three-year contract, which may be preferential to any renewal offer from Bayern.

His current contract in Munich is due to run until 2023. Therefore, Bayern could cash in this summer to avoid losing their star man for free – especially when his market value is high for a player of his age.

But Bayern have now given indications that they want to keep the 33-year-old.

Former goalkeeper Kahn, who became their CEO in 2021, told Amazon Prime: “Apparently there’s a competition out there: who will come up with the bigger nonsense story about Robert Lewandowski?

Lewandowski wants new Bayern Munich deal of Barcelona move

Lewandowski wants new Bayern Munich deal of Barcelona move

Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski stands firm and says he wants either a new contract or a move to Barcelona

“First of all, it is very important that we have a contract with Robert Lewandowski that lasts another season. We have always said that we will start the talks and we started them a long time ago.

“As soon as there is something to report, then we will do it too.”

Robert Lewandowski Bayern Munich April 2022

Pressed about the Barcelona reports, Kahn added: “I just said that we definitely have another season for Robert Lewandowski.

“Robert knows what he has in us. And we know what we have in him. Now let’s wait and see, relaxed.”

Bayern ‘not crazy’ enough to make Lewandowski change

With only a year left on his contract, though, it is understandable why there may be doubts about Lewandowski’s future.

But according to Kahn, that goes out of the window when it comes to Bayern’s number nine.

The CEO summarised: “We’re not crazy and we’re not discussing a change from a player who scores 30 to 40 goals with us every season. I don’t think that can be.”

Lewandowski is Bayern’s second highest goalscorer of all time. If he does stick with them for another year, it will be interesting to see what kind of tally he can reach.

To date, he has 341 goals to his name from 370 Bayern appearances.

 

 

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