Lewandowski-to-Bayern veto rekindles Man United link
Published:Robert Lewandowski’s move from Borussia Dortmund to their Champions League and Bundesliga conquerors Bayern Munich had seemed like a done deal after the Polish goal machine agreed terms with the European champions.
However, in a shock move, Dortmund president Hans-Joachin Watzke subsequently told Germany’s Bild newspaper “Lewandowski will definitely not go to Bayern in 2013”.
The head honcho at the Westphalian outfit left the door open for other potential suitors within the European game, telling Bild “I am not saying he will definitely stay, but he will certainly not be playing for Bayern in 2013”.
Whilst Lewandowski will be out of contract next summer and thus free to join Munich for the season after next, his professed need for a new challenge could cause him to seek a route out of Signal Iduna Park before the start of the current campaign.
Any intimation that was the case would see his admirers – Manchester United among them – on red alert, with the Daily Mail suggesting the Red Devils have been given “private encouragement” that the player himself is interested in a move.
A front two of Lewandowski and Robin Van Persie could potentially be Europe’s most fearsome strike partnership, with the pair notching 36 and 35 times respectively across all competitions in 2012/13.
At a tender age – 24 years-old – that belies his established reputation as one of the continent’s top centre forwards, the Dortmund striker could also serve as a long term replacement for the Dutchman, who will be 30 in August.
Signing the Pole would also bring about a happy reunion with ex-Die Schwarzgelben forward Shinji Kagawa, who has seldom yet been given the chance to play in his preferred off-the-frontman role since his £12m arrival at Old Trafford last summer.
The pair enjoyed great success together at Dortmund, winning consecutive Bundesliga titles, and the signing of Lewandowski could deliver United a ready-honed understanding in the offensive positions.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
