Transfer Centre

Joan Laporta: 'Barcelona are very flattered Robert Lewandowski wants to join us'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 03 July 2022

Laporta: 'Barcelona are very flattered Lewandowski wants to join us'

Barcelona president Joan Laporta says that the club are "very flattered" that Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski wants to move to Camp Nou.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta said that the club are "very flattered" Robert Lewandowski wants to move to Camp Nou when asked for an update on the striker's situation.

The Poland international has made it clear to Bayern Munich that he wants to leave Allianz Arena during this summer's transfer window in search of a fresh challenge at this stage of his career.

"My era at Bayern is over. I don't see any possibility to continue playing for this club anymore. Bayern's a serious club and I believe they won't keep me, I don't want to play there anymore. A transfer is the best solution. I hope they don't stop me," Lewandowski recently told reporters.

The 33-year-old's contract with the Bundesliga champions is due to expire next June, and Barcelona are thought to be pushing to bring him to Camp Nou in the current market.

However, Laporta was coy when asked for a transfer update on the centre-forward, revealing that he 'preferred to remain reserved' in relation to his future.

Robert Lewandowski in action for Bayern Munich in February 2022 © Reuters

"Lewandowski is a Bayern player and I prefer to remain reserved on this. We thank him for wanting to come to Barcelona and we are very flattered," Laporta told reporters.

Lewandowski scored 50 goals and registered seven assists in 46 appearances for Bayern during the 2021-22 campaign, as the Munich giants won the Bundesliga title once again.

Meanwhile, he has scored 344 goals and registered 72 assists in 374 appearances for Bayern in all competitions since arriving from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2014, establishing himself as one of the leading forwards in world football.

A recent report claimed that Barcelona were preparing a final offer of €40m (£34.5m) for the striker, but the Bundesliga giants will allegedly refuse to do business for under €60m (£52m), which is out of the Catalan club's price range due to their financial problems.

Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski during the match on August 13, 2021 © Reuters

Bayern are believed to be relaxed over the situation, with senior figures at the club expecting Lewandowski to begin pre-season training in the near future.

Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic recently told Bild: "Our position is clear: Robert has a contract until the summer of 2023. New bid from Barcelona? I'm not thinking about that. I'm expecting to see Robert in training at Sabener Straße on July 12."

Meanwhile, Bayern director Oliver Kahn added: "As far as Lewandowski is concerned, not much has changed. He's still under contract until 2023. Here at Bayern we are now looking forward to the first day of training with Robert."

The German giants have been linked with Cristiano Ronaldo as a possible replacement, with the Portugal international allegedly telling Manchester United that he wants to leave this summer.

However, despite the recent speculation, it is being reported that Bayern are not currently considering making an offer for the 37-year-old.