With prying eyes, Barcelona are keenly monitoring the developments of Bayern Munich ace Robert Lewandowski – Manchester City and Real Madrid will also be doing so.
The predatory Pole's future at the Bundesliga giants is uncertain, as he has been linked with a move away from Julian Nagelsmann’s side. Lewandowski appears to be at the top of Xavi’s wish-list, as the potential financial ramifications of a move for Borussia Dortmund ace Erling Haaland, threaten to render any future approach almost impossible for the Catalans.
However, a Blaugrana move for Lewandowski could speed up Pep Guardiola’s interest in Haaland, as well as Carlo Ancelotti’s lengthy pursuit of Paris Saint Germain forward Kylian Mbappe. If Lewandowski decides to seek pastures new at the Nou Camp, then a stunning transfer merry go around between the world’s top strikers could start.
Reports from Spanish outlet SPORT claim Barcelona have held “a minimum of two summits” with Lewandowski’s agent Pini Zahavi. It also understands that while Haaland was originally deemed a ‘priority’ for Barcelona’s transfer aspirations, the Norwegian hitman’s demands, as well as that of his agent Mino Raiola, means Barcelona would not be in total control of any deal.
However, a fascinating aspect of this ordeal is the fact that Haaland is purported to be most interested in a move to Barcelona. While reports from L’Equipe once claimed a move for Haaland, would cost a team around £250m, when the transfer fee, wages, and agents’ fees are considered, the 21-year-old’s priority is believed to be the quality of the footballing project.
And it appears the prospect of leading a new look Barcelona side filled with young, emerging talent guided by Xavi has piqued the Dortmund ace’s interest. However, Barcelona’s potential offer to him is expected to be significantly less than the terms Manchester City would offer.
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Barcelona have seemingly came out of the other side of a crippling financial situation which prevented them from committing Lionel Messi to a new contract at the Nou Camp. After offloading a number of high earners at the Nou Camp, the drastic improvement of their financial picture, enabled them to sign Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Ferran Torres, and Adama Traore in the January transfer window.
And their interest in Lewandowski could very well be followed through if a move for Haaland is deemed financially unfeasible. They are purportedly expecting Haaland to make a decision about his future this month and will plan their next moves accordingly.
If Haaland cannot be an option for the La Liga giants, then the expectation is that they will turn their attention towards Lewandowski. This would also likely prompt Manchester City to make their move on the Norwegian hitman they have been courting for many months.
And if Guardiola’s side manage to coerce Haaland to the Etihad Stadium, then Real Madrid may have a clear route to their most prised target Mbappe. Real have been pursuing the World Cup winner’s signature ever since the start of the season.
Mbappe has been expected to swap the Parc des Princes for the Bernabeau when his contract at the Ligue 1 giants expires at the end of the season. However, the former Monaco ace’s future appears to be far from decided.
