The future of Robert Lewandowski at FC Bayern has come back into focus since Saturday evening at the latest. The reason was a statement by sports director Hasan Salihamidzic, which even surprised the world footballer.
When asked whether FC Bayern would let Robert Lewandowski go if he made a suitable offer in the summer of 2022, Hasan Salihamidzic answered on the “Sky” microphone on Saturday after the game against Eintracht Frankfurt with a resolute and clear: “No!”
An announcement that apparently came out of the blue, at least for Lewandowski. “It’s the first time I’ve heard that,” the superstar said of his sports director’s statement.
With his clear no to a change in the summer of 2022, Salihamidzic revealed – intentionally or unintentionally – for the first time publicly how FC Bayern is planning Lewandowski’s personnel. This plan therefore provides for a contract extension with the Pole, whose current working paper expires in summer 2023.
Another option would be a free transfer next year, but Lewandowski categorically rejects this scenario. At least that’s what the “transfer expert” Fabrizio Romano claims.
The “Sky” journalist reported on Saturday that the Pole more or less put the proverbial pistol on FC Bayern’s chest and left the club only two options: either his contract is extended or he is sold in the summer of 2022. Means: A free transfer in 2023 is not an option for Lewandowski.
“They know they have to offer him a new contract if they want to keep him. He doesn’t want to leave on a free transfer in the summer of 2023. […] That’s why it’s important for FC Bayern to make a decision as early as possible,” said the Italian in a post on his Youtube channel.
PSG, Chelsea and Co. knocked on FC Bayern’s door
Romano reported that a number of clubs had already knocked on Lewandowski’s door last year, including Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea FC. “During the Mbappé negotiations between Real and PSG, the Parisians were considering Lewandowski as a replacement. They really wanted him. But Bayern made it clear to Paris, Chelsea and other clubs that Lewandowski was untouchable.”
As of today, no talks have taken place between Lewandowski and those responsible for Bayern. This is probably one of the reasons why the Pole was surprised by the statements made by his sports director on Saturday. However, it now seems clear that FC Bayern is aiming for a timely decision and may be sitting down with the Pole in the coming days to negotiate the future.