It has been claimed that Manchester United are considering a move for outgoing Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski.
This follows comments made by the 33-year-old back in May when he revealed to Sky in Germany that he would not be staying on at Bayern for another season.
His £329k-per-week contract doesn’t expire until the summer of 2023 and club president Herbert Hainer has told BILD that the Bavarians fully intend to see out the remainder of the deal.
Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo claimed on Monday that the 131-cap Poland international “remains firm in his desire” to play for Barcelona next season, however, the Catalan giants’ ‘terminal’ financial crisis could hinder a move.
Noted insider ExWHUemployee was speaking on The Transfer Show and claimed that Barcelona’s woes could hand United the opportunity to capitalise.
Can you see Lewandowski joining United?
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He said: “Manchester United are possibly going to enter the race to sign Lewandowski.
“Barcelona, as we know, have got financial issues and they’re not sure whether they can juggle their wages enough to be able to bring him in. They’re even looking at selling Barcelona legend Gerard Pique.
“Manchester United are hoping that his move to Barcelona falls through and then they’ll bring him in, and that’ll be an interesting signing for them because [he’s] 33, coming towards the end of his career.
“They could potentially have him and Ronaldo up front, which would be a combined age of about 70 for their two forwards, but he’ll probably still be a good signing because he’s scoring goals still.”
TIF Thoughts on Lewandowski to United…
Will Manchester United improve next season?
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Interestingly, Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge dubbed Robert Lewandowski the ‘best footballer in the world’, so would clearly be some signing despite his age.
While having two forwards in their mid-30s or more didn’t go to plan for the Red Devils last year, Lewandowski appears to keep himself a lot fitter than the departing Edinson Cavani, who had a torrid time with injury at Old Trafford this past season.
The Polish frontman has scored 344 goals and provided 72 assists in 374 appearances for Bayern and is showing no signs of slowing down either, as he netted 50 times in 46 matches last season, including 35 in 34 Bundesliga fixtures.
Hailed as ‘terrific’ by former teammate Arjen Robben, we think Lewandowski would be a tremendous addition to the United ranks given how Cristiano Ronaldo may be unlikely to play every game next term and it could be a move that opens up for the wantaway forward if cash-strapped Barcelona are unable to readjust their budgets.