Barcelona have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Robert Lewandowski as Bayern Munich have ruled out an exit for the Poland international.
Speaking to Sky 90 (h/t BuLi News), Bayern Munich director Hasan Salihamidzic has ruled out the possibility of selling Robert Lewandowski in the summer transfer window amid serious interest from Barcelona.
Lewandowski’s future has become a topic of discussion in recent weeks as he is entering the final year of his contract with Bayern Munich. The striker has been disappointed that the club are yet to hold discussions over a new deal for him, leading to rumours that he might be considering a switch away from the Allianz Arena.
Barcelona have presented themselves as a potential destination for Lewandowski as they intend to sign a new prolific striker to spearhead Xavi Hernandez’s side. Having targeted Erling Haaland for a while, they have switched focus to the Bayern Munich superstar, with the Blaugrana’s president Joan Laporta admitting that the club have a good chance of signing Lewandowski.
However, according to the latest comments by Hasan Salihamidzic, it is quite clear that Bayern Munich are not considering the possibility of selling Lewandowski in the upcoming transfer window.
Bayern director Salihamidžić: “Selling Lewandowski if Barcelona offers €40/50m? No”, he told Sky90. ??? #FCBayern
So Lewa’s definitely staying this summer? Salihamidžić: “Yes, he has a contract until 2023”. @iMiaSanMia pic.twitter.com/80ZEMO6JDt
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 24, 2022
Speaking during the interview, the Bayern Munich director was quoted as saying, “I definitely rule out Lewandowski leaving the club in the summer. We will hold talks, then we will see how things develop. He has a contract until 2023. What happens after that is not yet certain.”
When pushed further on the matter and quizzed if Bayern wanted to offer him a new contract, Salihamidzic added, “Of course. Lewandowski is highly appreciated. The fans love him. But he’s the top earner at the club. We also have to look at our financial possibilities and how much money we have.
“I spoke with Lewa. We’ll also talk to his agent. He has a contract until 2023. We have all the time in the world. We have the best striker in the world and we’re proud of that. We haven’t negotiated yet. But that’s what we’ll do now,” added Salihamidzic.
So, even though there have been reports claiming that Bayern are looking at Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku as one of the possible replacements for Lewandowski, as things stand, the German champions are clear that they do not wish to sell the striker. And, talks over a new contract are likely to begin soon, dealing a blow to Barcelona’s hopes of signing the Poland striker in the summer.
