Lewandowski & Bayern Set For Messy Divorce After Recent Comments

The Lewandowski saga continues to be one to pay close attention to. He has made clear his desire to leave Bayern Munich this summer and Barcelona are favorites to land him. However, there seems to be a reluctance on the part of Bayern Munich to let him leave. It wouldn’t be far-fetched to suggest the Bayern hierarchy are merely holding out for a bigger fee.

In a recent press conference, Lewandowski declared his time at Bayern Munich to be “over” and said he does not believe the club will hold him against his will. The striker wants to join Barcelona after reaching a verbal agreement on a three-year contract. Lewandowski, speaking at a press conference with Poland said: “My era at Bayern is over. I don’t see any possibility to continue playing for this club.”

The 33-year-old has been at Bayern since 2014 and believes they will show flexibility regarding a transfer. “Bayern’s a serious club and I believe they won’t keep me – I don’t want to play there any more,” he said. “A transfer is the best solution. I hope they don’t stop me.”

Bayern Munich Unwilling To Sell

Bayern’s chief executive, Oliver Kahn, responded by telling the German TV channel Sport1: “I can’t tell you why Robert chose this path. Public statements like that don’t get you anywhere … I think he should know what he has at Bayern.” The club’s former goalkeeper went on to say: “Appreciation is not a one-way street.”

Two weeks ago Bayern’s president, Herbert Hainer, was adamant that there was no room for manoeuvre. Hainer told Sport1: “Robert has a contract until 2023. That’s how long he will play with us.” Hainer noted that Lewandowski had joined Bayern on a free transfer.

“There is no substitute for such a world-class player,” Hainer said. “He has a contract, so I assume he fulfils it. It is his right not to extend his contract.”

Lewandowski scored 35 Bundesliga goals this season and 13 in the Champions League. As far as possible replacements, Bayern are hot on the heels of Liverpool forward Sadio Mane. Mane expects to leave Anfield this summer and could be available for €40M.