Robert Lewandowski celebrated just like the rest of his Bayern Munich teammates after clinching the club’s 10th straight Bundesliga title with a 3-1 win over Borussia Dortmund, but the Polish striker wasn’t quite so jubilant in his post-match comments. Indeed, Lewandowski cut a conflicted character once the microphone was placed in front of him. This reflected the discourse around his future.
According to recent reports, Lewandowski is considering his future at the Allianz Arena with Bayern Munich unwilling offer the 33-year-old more than a year’s extension to his current contract which will expire in 2023. Barcelona, on the other hand, are reportedly willing to offer Lewandowski what he wants to sign him this summer.
“There will be a meeting soon,” Lewandowski told Sky Germany amid Bayern Munich’s title celebrations when asked to elaborate on his future at the club with speculation swirling faster and faster. “But nothing special has happened so far, I also notice what’s going on. The situation is not that easy for me.”
Lewandowski has long wanted to test himself in La Liga. The Polish international even changed his agent a few years ago to pursue a move to Spain with Real Madrid believed to be interested at that time. It’s an open secret that Lewandowski won’t feel his career is complete until he has played in La Liga.
So is now the right time for Lewandowski to embrace a new challenge? At 33, he might not have many more years to test himself in another setting at the elite level. Lewandowski might currently be the best goalscorer in the game, but he is surely entering the twilight of his career. If he doesn’t make a switch this summer, he may never.
There is nothing more for Lewandowski to prove in Germany. He has won everything as a Bayern Munich player. Only Gerd Muller has scored more Bundesliga goals than the Pole, with Lewandowski breaking the German legend’s long-standing record for the most league goals in a single campaign last season.
At Barcelona, Lewandowski could spearhead a resurgent team under Xavi Hernandez. The Catalans may have suffered a three-match losing streak at home in recent weeks, capped by a Europa League elimination, but there’s no denying the progress they have made in 2022. Barca will be expected to challenge for major honours again next season and Lewandowski could be their number nine.
Of course, Barcelona signed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in January to lead the line with the former Arsenal striker netting nine goals in his first 12 La Liga outings for the club. Other areas of Xavi’s squad might be in greater need of reinforcement this summer, but Lewandowski could elevate Barca to a higher level.
Real Madrid are also in the market for a new attacker this summer, although it seems more likely that the capital club will funnel their resources into signing Kylian Mbappe over making a move for Lewandowski despite their long-standing interest in the Pole. Carlo Ancelotti would struggle to fit Karim Benzema, Mbappe and Lewandowski, not to mention Vinicius Junior, into the same team.
A Premier League move could also be on the cards for Lewandowski. Arsenal are on course to be back in the Champions League next season and are expected to sign a new centre forward this summer following the departure of Aubameyang and the looming exit of Alexandre Lacazette. They could make a play for Lewandowski.
Arsenal have been linked with Napoli’s Victor Osimhen with Real Sociedad’s Alexander Isak another believed to be on the North London club’s radar. Mikel Arteta might want a young forward to lead his young team, but the signing of Lewandowski could accelerate the Gunners’ development under the Spanish coach.
Manchester City are likely to add a new striker to their squad this summer, but Erling Haaland and Harry Kane will top their shopping list. Manchester United could also move for a number nine, yet there is unlikely to be any Champions League soccer at Old Trafford next season. Lewandowski will be wise to stay away from a club in disarray like United.
As a team, Bayern Munich revolve around Lewandowski. Julian Nagelsmann’s side plays to the Polish international’s strengths and that is reflected in the goals Lewandowski has scored for the Bavarians over the years. Nonetheless, something will be missing in his illustrious career if one of the greatest goalscorers of his generation doesn’t accept one last challenge.
