Xavi issues Lewandowski update as Barca transfer rumours intensify

Suraj Radia

• 13 Apr 2022 15:46 BST
• 3 min read

Barcelona had coach Xavi has issued a transfer update with regards to the club's chase for Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski.

The Pole is set to tell Bayern that he wants to leave this summer, putting Barca on red alert.

Lewandowski has spent eight seasons in Munich and has reportedly held preliminary talks with the Spanish side over joining them on a three-year deal when his contract expires in 2023.

Bayern have not given up hope of keeping the 33-year-old and have scheduled a meeting in May with his representatives in the hopes of coming to an agreement.

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Barcelona manager Xavi refused to be drawn into commenting on the pursuit of Lewandowski however the Catalans appear to be the favourites for his signature.

Speaking ahead of his side’s Europa League tie against Eintracht Frankfurt, Xavi said: “This is not the time. He is a great player, but we have to focus on tomorrow's game.

“I understand your question, but this is not the right time to discuss potential targets.”

Lewandowski is believed to be disappointed at Bayern’s delay in offering him a new deal and feels he is wanted more by other clubs including Barcelona, who have made him their striking priority.

He will wait to see how his club approach the situation before making any final decisions but it is understood that his preference is to leave at the end of the season.

The German side are keen to keep hold of Lewandowski until the end of his contract and CEO Oliver Kahn described the speculation as "nonsense".

Kahn was adamant that the club would keep hold of their talismanic forward next season and said the club would be ‘crazy’ to consider his exit.

However, it is believed that Bayern and Barcelona could come to an agreement over a fee should Lewandowski formally verbalise his desire to leave.

Having scored 47 goals in all competitions this season, any hint of uncertainty over Lewandowski’s future will undoubtedly trigger the interest of many of Europe’s top clubs.

And with Bayern being knocked out of the Champions League by Villarreal on Tuesday, Lewandowski may feel as though he has achieved all he can in Germany.