Robert Lewandowski said Monday that his time with Bayern Munich was over, without specifying his future plans, amid reports that Barcelona have made him an offer.
But the German giants are hoping to replace him with Liverpool’s Sadio Mane, as the Reds star’s time on Merseyside appears certain to conclude.
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LEWANDOWSKI LEAVING
“Today it is certain that my story with Bayern has come to an end,” the Polish star striker told reporters in Warsaw.
“I can’t imagine further co-operation, after what has happened over the last few months,” he added.
“A transfer will be the best solution. I trust that Bayern won’t stop me, just because they can.”
With a year left on Lewandowski’s contract, Barcelona have reportedly made an offer of 32 million euros (A$48 million) to sign him.
In an interview with Polish broadcaster Eleven Sports PL, Lewandowski dropped a teaser about how he would enjoy living in Spain.
“I think it’s a really good place — not just to go on holiday there,” he said, adding that he has a house in Mallorca.
Bayern CEO Oliver Khan and director of sports Hasan Salihamidzic have both publicly stated the club will not let Lewandowski leave before 2023.
Earlier this month, Lewandowski’s agent Pini Zahavi warned Bayern against insisting on the contract.
“Of course they can keep Robert for another year, to be fair he has a contract until 2023, but I wouldn’t recommend that to them,” Zahavi told German daily Bild.
He added that the issue for Lewandowski is not about extra money.
“He has felt disrespected by those in charge (at Bayern) for months, that’s the truth,” he said.
“FC Bayern has not lost Lewandowski the player, but Robert the person.”
Zahavi said he hopes Bayern’s senior figures “will think about it again” and allow Lewandowski the opportunity “to fulfil a lifelong dream and move to the club (Barcelona) he has always dreamed of.”
A back-to-back winner of FIFA’s best male player award, Lewandowski has won every title available since joining Bayern in 2014, including eight Bundesliga trophies for a total of 10 having won two with ex-club Dortmund.
He also won the Champions League with Bayern in 2020.
Lewandowski was topscorer in the Bundesliga last season for the fifth year running after netting 35 goals in Germany’s top flight.
On Monday, Bayern also confirmed the exit of France midfielder Corentin Tolisso whose contract has expired after five years in Munich.
MANE SET TO DEPART AS BAYERN LOOK TO POUNCE
Potentially heading in the other direction to Bayern Munich is Sadio Mane.
According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Mane “has decided to leave” the club. Multiple UK sources also report that the Senegalese striker is hoping to pursue a new challenge, but Sky Sports has stated he has not yet told the club of his decision to depart.
Mane’s contract expires at the end of next season and he has been noncommittal over his future with the Reds, saying he wouldn’t reveal anything until after the Champions League final.
Sky Sports reports that Liverpool would want at least £35 million (A$61.5m) before contemplating a deal to sell Mane.
Bayern is expected to offer the £35 million and is willing to hand the Senegalese international a deal until mid 2025, according to the publication.
Mane has been monitored by Bayern’s sporting director Hasan Salihamdzic while chief Oliver Kahn was in attendance at the Champions League final.
Mane did not speak to media after the defeat, and only told reporters before the match that he would announce a “special” decision about his future after the game.
The superstar attacker has scored 120 times in 269 appearances for Liverpool in all competitions, including a hugely impressive 90 goals in 196 league appearances across six seasons at the club.
RICHARLISON CONSIDERING FUTURE
Everton star Richarlison has confirmed that he could leave Everton amid interest in his signature from London clubs Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal.
Richarlison has become something of a fan favourite at Goodison Park but told reporters while on international duty that he’s considering his future.
“I’ve already made it clear to the board. I’ve already talked to (manager Frank) Lampard too, with my agents and they know what I want. Let’s wait for June,” he said.
“Now I can’t talk, because when we talk about leaving a club I’m kind of like this, because of the history I have at Everton, the affection that the fans have for me. When we talk about leaving I’m a little speechless.”
Sportsmail reports that Spurs are closely monitoring Richarlison’s situation while Chelsea, Arsenal and Real Madrid are said to be also interested.