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In a post-Lionel Messi world, Barcelona desperately wanted a star. They pivoted to Robert Lewandowski.
Barca did not merely flip to the Polish celebrity to assist an ailing on-field outfit, however they regarded the prolific striker as the proper profile to change the opinions of an alienated fanbase. In Lewandowski, the membership had a reputation; a star able to promoting a bucket-load of shirts.
And whereas Lewandowski’s objectives propelled Barcelona to the La Liga title lower than a 12 months after his €45m transfer, questions stay relating to to total success of the transfer. Classic sequences have come few and much between in 12 months two, with Barca enduring an detached title defence.
Pressure and disagreement with coach and teammates have plagued the striker’s 2023/24 season amid a downturn in manufacturing. Lewandowski stays well-admired within the Barca dressing room, however a sale this summer time actually hasn’t been dominated out.
The 35-year-old should again himself to lengthen his keep on the prime desk, however elite-level suitors may be arduous to return by ought to Barca choose to chop ties.
Listed here are 5 attainable candidates for Lewandowski’s signature.
Borussia Dortmund took an opportunity on a younger Lewandowski in 2010, with the Polish ahead having solely starred in his homeland. Nevertheless, the €4.5m arrival would show to be one of many membership’s best ever signings.
The Pole was compelled to be affected person in Germany, however he took his likelihood in 2011/12 as Dortmund received the Bundesliga title and reached the Champions League closing a 12 months later. His fame soared at Sign Iduna Park, however his determination to depart Dortmund in favour of Bayern Munich as a free agent wrecked his relationship with the Yellow Wall.
Whereas Lewandowski fondly recollects his time at Dortmund and lots of supporters could have forgiven the ahead they as soon as adored, a reunion seems unlikely – even when BVB could possibly be available in the market for a striker this summer time.
Probability ranking: 2/10
In Rasmus Hojlund, Man Utd could nicely have discovered their quantity 9 for the long-term, and INEOS have an thrilling younger ahead to construct round.
Nevertheless, United are bereft of canopy choices. Anthony Martial will transfer on on the finish of the season, whereas Marcus Rashford hardly ever stars in a central place.
The Pink Devils have focused veterans to fill their striker void in recent times, with the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Edinson Cavani, and Wout Weghorst (who should be thrilled to be included in the identical checklist as the 2 earlier names) having fun with spells at Outdated Trafford.
Maybe United might pivot to Lewandowski to function an skilled back-up/competitor to Hojlund? This, nonetheless, is a transfer the earlier regime had been extra prone to make, not the shrewd folks at INEOS.
Probability ranking: 3/10
Talking of shrewd (not), Todd Boehly loves an enormous title, proper? Chelsea are undoubtedly extra prone to get sucked into the attract of signing 35-year-old Lewandowski this summer time than Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s United.
The Blues would not must pay a monster charge to signal the Pole, and wage calls for are unlikely to be a significant difficulty given the the membership’s riches. They will additionally seemingly hand the veteran a multi-year deal as a result of, nicely, that is what they do.
Regardless of their latest shoddy recruitment, Chelsea will solely flip to Lewandowski ought to they miss out on precedence targets. Victor Osimhen is at the moment on the prime of the Blues’ wishlist.
Probability ranking: 4/10
The Saudis additionally love an enormous title, most likely greater than Boehly, and given Lewandowski’s fame as one of many best strikers of his era, he is certainly a profile of participant they’re going to take into account this summer time.
Al Ittihad supplied Karim Benzema – who was 35 when he put pen to paper – a monster contract final summer time, and the Polish ahead may fancy garnering the same contract at one of many Saudi-backed PIF golf equipment. With Aleksandar Mitrovic starring for Al Hilal, Cristiano Ronaldo the main man at Al Nassr, and Benzema main Al Ittihad’s line, Al Ahli are the most definitely possibility.
Roberto Firmino hasn’t fairly starred as projected throughout his first season on the membership.
Nevertheless, Lewandowski is extra prone to favour an alternate retirement voyage.
Probability ranking: 6/10
Lewandowski admitted final 12 months that MLS was firmly on the forefront of his thoughts earlier than the Covid-19 pandemic earlier than admitting that he is had a change of coronary heart since.
Nonetheless, whereas the striker does not think about shifting to America fairly so quickly, the 35-year-old may need little selection if Barca resolve to promote him this summer time.
With the US internet hosting the 2024 Copa America in addition to the 2026 World Cup, a Lionel Messi-inspired MLS may be able to capitalise. The monetary may of a number of franchises is but to be realised, and Lewandowski might emerge as one in every of a number of big-name additions to the American recreation over the approaching years.
Probability ranking: 7/10
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