Why Bayern could OK Lewandowski transfer to Barcelona
Suraj Radia
- 28 May 2022 18:20 BST
- 3 min read
Bayern Munich boss Julien Nagelsmann has reportedly been making plans for life without Robert Lewandowski as his star striker looks to force a move to Barcelona.
The Polish international has one year left on his contract but has told Bayern of his desire to move to Spain and the two clubs are negotiating deal worth around €35 million.
Nagelsmann appears to be resigned to losing his top scorer, so much so that he is working on a tactic that doesn't require and out-and-out striker according to German media.
The former Leipzig manager has allegedly taken tactical inspiration from ex-Bayern boss Pep Guardiola, who won the Premier League this season while often playing without a recognised striker.
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What are Bayern's plans for life after Lewandowski?
Having scored nearly 350 goals in eight years at the club, Bayern are acutely aware that a player like Lewandowski is no easy task and instead plan to build around a number of versatile and mobile attacking players.
Bayern may look to bring in multiple attackers as winger Serge Gnabry is another player who could be moved on due to his contract expiring next summer.
Liverpool forward Sadio Mane is rumoured to be the top target for Bayern and the 30-year-old could be available for €30m as he is entering the final year of his deal.
The Senegalese international has reportedly told Liverpool officials of his desire to leave and could even announce his intentions following the Champions League final against Real Madrid.
Sadio Mané on his future: “I think the answer I can give you now is I’m fully focused on the Saturday game, that is the answer I must give before the final”. 🔴 #LFC
“On Saturday I will give you the best answer you want to hear, for sure. I will give you all you want to hear”. pic.twitter.com/9esq38aX8L— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 26, 2022
Stuttgart striker Sasa Kalajdzic is also being targeted as a 'plan B' option should Nagelsmann require more physical strength up front.
Bayern are also keen on Christopher Nkunku however Leipzig are planning to keep hold of their star player and certainly wouldn't sell him to a league rival.
Ousmane Dembele's contractual situation at Barcelona is being monitored by a number of sides including Bayern but the Frenchman's large wage demands means he is not a priority for the Bundesliga champions.
