Robert Lewandowski moves to Barcelona: Who replaces Polish striker at Bayern Munich

Robert Lewandowski is a few formalities away from joining Barcelona. The Camp Nou-based outfit has agreed on a reported €50 million (£42m/$50m) transfer fees for getting the Polish striker from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich. 

With Lewandowski coming in, manager Xavi will look to add at least 20-25 goals per season. The young Barca attack, Memphis Depay, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Ansu Fati, Ferran Torres, Raphinha, Ousmane Dembele and Pedri, will also find a leader in the front. 

Also read: Where does Robert Lewandowski fit in Barcelona squad?

The two European clubs have reached an agreement in principle for Lewandowski’s move to Camp Nou, Bayern president Herbert Hainer said Saturday.

“We have come to a verbal agreement with Barcelona. It’s good to have clarity for all parties,” Hainer said on Bayern’s official Twitter account. “Robert is an incredible player and he won everything with us. We are incredibly grateful to him.”

While Lewandowski is a much-needed addition to the Barca attack, Bayern will need to find a replacement for him. 

Also read: Middelfarter in Manchester: What Christian Eriksen’s arrival brings to Old Trafford

Who are the contenders?

Lewandowski scored 312 goals in 384 Bundesliga games for Bayern and previous club Borussia Dortmund. He hit 35 goals in 34 appearances last season to become the Bundesliga’s leading scorer for the seventh time overall. The 33-year-old scooped up 10 Bundesliga titles, four German Cups, and a Club World Cup with the Bavarian powerhouse.

Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting is Bayern’s typical backup for Lewandowski but rarely starts, while other forwards like Sadio Mané, Leroy Sané, Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry are primarily wide players.

Also read: Cristiano Ronaldo rejects $275 million offer, still on the lookout for clubs

So replacing a player who was Bundesliga top scorer for each of the last five seasons — and who set the league record of 41 goals in 2020-21 — will be no easy task.

While the German sharks are willing to sign another iconic forward, they recently ruled out reports of getting five-tim Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United. 

Ronaldo, who will turn 38 next February, was reported as a probable successor of Lewandowski. He reportedly wants an out from United, who will not compete for any major trophies in 2022-23. 

One big name in the Bayern lineup is Sadio Mane. The Senegal international is versatile and a good option on the wings and also as a striker. He moved to Germany after serving Liverpool for six years and scoring 90 goals. The deal cost Julian Nagelsmann and co € 30 million. 

As per reports, Lewandowski’s family was unhappy with how he was being treated by Bayern after Mane’s arrival. 

Reports also suggest that Bayern Munich are looking at Harry Kane as Lewandowski’s replacement. The English captain’s  contract with Tottenham Hotspur expires in 2024.