The saga surrounding Robert Lewandowski and FC Bayern intensified as the 2023 deadline loomed, with reports indicating that the prolific striker had told officials he would not renew his contract. His current deal with the German record champion was set to expire after the upcoming season, placing Bayern in a position where a sale in the summer window could be their last opportunity to secure transfer fees. This interpretation aligns with multiple outlets that monitored the situation closely at the time, including TARGET and SPOX who echoed similar sentiments. (Goal)
In the days that followed, Bayern’s leadership publicly reiterated that Lewandowski should remain with the club for the next campaign, stressing that talks about the contract extension were ongoing. Yet whispers persisted about a potential move away from Munich, with the Catalan giant Barcelona cited as a possible destination as the summer approached. The tension between on-pitch ambitions and contract discussions created a palpable sense of uncertainty around Lewandowski’s future with the club. (Goal)
According to Bild, Lewandowski appeared dissatisfied with the pace and manner of the discussions. Hasan Salihamidzic, the club’s sports director, responded to inquiries with a carefully phrased commitment to continued dialogue, stopping short of a clear denial or confirmation of a future outcome. The delay in negotiations reportedly frustrated the player, who had expected a more decisive approach regarding his extended future with Bayern. (Goal)
Additional reports suggested there had been no formal offer at the latest meeting between Salihamidzic and Lewandowski’s representative, Pini Zahavi. The Polish forward was also said to be irritated by what he perceived as ongoing interest from Bayern in other high-profile strikers, including Erling Haaland, which some interpreted as a lack of commitment to his own long-term status with the club. (Goal)
Rumors about Lewandowski’s time with Bayern also appeared to reflect a broader sense of unrest. Observers noted that he left the championship celebration a bit earlier than usual and spent only a brief moment on the podium when the trophy was presented, later exiting the Allianz Arena with a quiet demeanor. These signals, while subtle, fed speculation about his readiness to pursue a new challenge away from Munich. (Goal)
Source attribution: Goal