The contract hasn’t been signed yet, but the verbal commitment is fixed: striker Robert Lewandowski is moving from FC Bayern Munich to FC Barcelona. In the exclusive BR interview, those responsible for Bayern are happy that “we now have clarity”.
The week-long stalemate is over: During the FC Bayern Munich team presentation in the Allianz Arena, President Herbert Hainer, CEO Oliver Kahn and coach Julian Nagelsmann confirmed that Robert Lewandowski was moving to FC Barcelona.
“We have a verbal commitment from Barcelona and it’s also good for both sides that we now have clarity,” said Hainer in an exclusive interview with BR24 Sport: “We’re glad that there was such a solution.”
Relief after the Lewandowski decision
The debate about Robert Lewandowski’s future had overshadowed a lot at FC Bayern in the past few weeks. After eight years with the German record champions, the striker had offensively communicated his intention to change and declared that he no longer saw a future in Munich. The club, on the other hand, had insisted on the fulfillment of the contract until 2023.
Bavaria and the search for a replacement
“It’s not that easy when you lose a top striker like Robert Lewandowski, you first have to see what replacements there are,” Hainer said of Bayern’s attitude. With newcomers like Sadio Mané or the Serge Gnabry’s contract extension the club has a top-class offensive department even after the departure of Robert Lewandowski – and was able to let the striker go.
Up to 50 million euros for Lewandowski
“In the meantime we have been very successful in the transfer market and now we can deal with it,” said Hainer about Bayern’s rethinking. The Bavarians are said to collect up to 50 million euros including possible bonus payments. It would be the most expensive sale in the club’s history.
Nagelsmann and the “great challenge”
FC Bayern coach Julian Nagelsmann called it a “big challenge” to replace the world footballer and his goals. He himself will “try to make the best of it.” Nagelsmann left it open whether Munich would be active again on the transfer market. In view of the breadth of the Bavarian offensive division, he was “spoiled for choice”. Nagelsmann also underlined: “The transfer window is still open.”
Thanks from Lewandowski consultant
Meanwhile, Lewandowski advisor Pini Zahavi thanked Bayern for their cooperation. Apparently, both sides had exchanged views late into the night on Friday. He especially thanked CEO Oliver Kahn and sports director Hasan Salihamidzic “for ultimately understanding and respecting Robert’s dream of a new challenge in his career.”
Source: BR24Sport 07/16/2022 – 2:00 p.m
