Sir Jim Ratcliffe 'blocks' Robert Lewandowski transfer

Cameron Smith
Cameron Smith
  • 26 Oct 2025 15:27 CDT
  • 3 min read
Robert Lewandowski, Barcelona, 2025/26
© IMAGO

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim is eager to finalise a deal for Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski in 2026, however co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has reportedly blocked a prospective transfer.

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The Poland international is set to become a free agent next summer, with Barcelona unwilling to extend his current contract, and he has been tipped to complete a blockbuster move to Old Trafford.

Current ETV
Player image Robert Lewandowski 
Robert Lewandowski 

F (C)

Barcelona logo

Barcelona

Robert Lewandowski 
Robert Lewandowski 

F (C)

Barcelona

Barcelona

€11.8M

ETV Range

€10.6M - €13M

Multiple reports have indicated that Man Utd would be open to agreeing a deal for Lewandowski, while The Mirror have revealed that Amorim is a “long-term admirer” of the veteran centre forward.

The 37-year-old has scored 105 goals in 156 games since joining Barcelona from Bayern Munich in 2022, but the Spanish giants are willing to sanction a Bosman exit as they look to bring in Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez as his replacement.

Robert Lewandowski to Man Utd?

A move to Saudi Arabia or the MLS has been touted as a possible option for Lewandowski in 2026, but Amorim believes he would be a smart addition for his Man Utd side amid rumours that Joshua Zirkzee will push to leave the club in January in a bid to improve his chances of being selected for the Netherlands’ World Cup squad.

However, Ratcliffe has decided to veto a potential transfer for Lewandowski, as per The Mirror.

Robert Lewandowski, Barcelona
© IMAGO - Robert Lewandowski, Barcelona

The Man Utd co-owner is reportedly eager to avoid signing ageing players near the end of their careers, following several mistakes in the market over the past decade.

Instead, the Red Devils are expected to once again target a younger demographic when it comes to new signings, with INEOS determined to build a squad capable of fighting for major honours in years to come.

While upgrading their options in the centre forward position remains on Man Utd’s radar, they are expected to prioritise a new midfielder in 2026 and they have identified the likes of Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson and Carlos Baleba as key targets.

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