Robert Lewandowski to Barcelona: Bayern making impossible demands

FT Desk
FT Desk
  • Updated: 14 Jun 2022 08:45 BST
  • 3 min read
Robert Lewandowski, Bayern Munich, 2021/22
© ProShots

Bayern Munich have demanded that Barcelona pay a €50 million transfer fee – all in one instalment – in order for them to sell wantaway striker Robert Lewandowski.

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That is according to Catalunya Radio, which claims that while Bayern are now softening their stance on Lewandowski being unsellable they have quoted a price which Barcelona simply cannot afford to pay.

Barcelona have made Lewandowski their number one target for the summer transfer window and they have been in talks to sign the former Borussia Dortmund star since March.

Lewandowski, whose contract at Bayern expires in 2023, is keen to make the move to Camp Nou as he would like one final challenge at a bit club before the end of his career.

Indeed, Lewandowski has made a number of recent public declarations stating that he sees his time at Bayern as over and demanding for the club to let him leave.

What did Lewandowski say?

“My era at Bayern is over,” Lewandowski said a fortnight ago.

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“I don't see any possibility to continue playing for this club anymore.

“Bayern’s a serious club and I believe they won’t keep me, I don't want to play there anymore. A transfer is the best solution. I hope they don't stop me.”

This led to an ugly war of words developing between Lewandowski and Bayern officials, although the two parties have reportedly agreed to a ceasefire and will no longer argue over the issue in public.

Lewandowski, Bayern
© ProShots

Bayern had been desperate to keep Lewandowski next season but have begun looking around for possible replacements given the striker’s determination to leave.

Sadio Mane is likely to arrive from Liverpool, although his transfer is unconnected to Lewandowski.

However, the fact that Bayern are making such an astronomical demand of €50m for a player who will turn 34 in two months makes such a deal impossible right now.

Barcelona simply cannot afford such a fee, given they are €1.3 billion in debt and need to sell players and assets merely to balance the books.

Bayern will need to lower their demands massively if Barcelona are to have any chance of completing this deal, although the will of Lewandowski could also play an important in determining his future this summer.

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