Bayern Munich have reportedly rejected Barcelona’s opening bid for Polish forward Robert Lewandowski.
The speculation surrounding the 33-year-old’s future continues to gather pace, with Barca to sign him before the end of the summer transfer window.
According to reports, the Bavarian club have turned down the Blaugrana proposal worth €40 million upfront with €5m in potential add-ons.
Bayern has at least answered following two bids with no response. The response, however, did not go in Barca’s side, as was expected.
For Lewandowski, Bayern will only consider bids beyond €50 million with only one year remaining on his contract. With that in mind, Barcelona have started to identify a few alternatives, if they fail in their pursuit of Lewandowski.
Lewandowski has made it very clear that he wants to leave the German champions this summer. However, Bayern president Uli Hoeness seems sure that Lewandowski will continue to play for them in the upcoming season.
“I don’t know anything about a new offer. But as things stand in Munich, what I have heard is that Barcelona should save themselves the effort of making another offer,” Hoeness said.
In an interview, Bayern general manager Oliver Kahn said the club expects Lewandowski to play with the squad on 12 July for the start of the 2022/23 pre-season.
“With regards to Robert, not much has changed. He has a contract until 2023 and we are hoping that he is present with us on the first day of training.” Kahn said.
“Robert is evaluating the options of Barca and others. But it’s worth remembering that he has a contract with Bayern and, this is very important, we are not worried.” Kahn added.
Lewandowski arrived at Bayern Munich in 2014, after standing out for Borussia Dortmund. He has scored 344 goals in 375 games with the Bavarian jersey, including 32 goals in 29 Bundesliga outings.
