Football Transfer Window: Bayern Munich set the price for Robert Lewandowski's departure to Barcelona
Bayern Munich and FC Barcelona have agreed to negotiate the sale of star striker Robert Lewandowski. The Blaugrana's top transfer target this summer, but the Bavarians have been adamant that he is not for sale and that he should see out his contract, which expires in June next year.
Robert Lewandowski
Lewandowski has publicly attempted to force a move away from the Bundesliga champions, prompting criticism from club executives and legends such as CEO Oliver Kahn.
However, according to Sky, Bayern Munich has changed their minds and is now willing to listen to offers from Barcelona for Lewandowski and negotiate his sale.
Bayern Munich has set a final price for Lewandowski
Despite having only a year left on his current contract, Lewandowski will not be cheap.
Bayern Munich wants to start from a reported €60 million ($63 million) for the 33-year-old they snatched away from domestic rivals Borussia Dortmund in 2013.
The figure excludes variables and add-ons, but final negotiations are expected to begin in the coming days regardless of the opposing stances of the two European behemoths.
In terms of money, getting a fee close to €60 million for a 33-year-old striker with a year left on his contract will be quality business done by Die Roten. They'll eventually turn a profit on Lewandowski.
However, the departure of Lewandowski could jeopardize Die Roten's sporting ambitions for the coming season.
In the last three seasons, the Poland international has scored at least 40 goals in all competitions. He shows no signs of slowing down, so Bayern will lose a significant number of goals next season.
Rekordmeister has now committed transfer fees for Sadio Mane and Ryan Gravenberch's arrival this summer.
In the meantime, Noussair Mazraoui arrived via free transfer. As a result, Bayern will recoup most of the transfer fees paid for Gravenberch and Mane this summer by receiving €60 million for Lewandowski.
As a result, the Bavarian club will have more room to spend on adding another quality forward to the squad. Furthermore, it is almost certain that they will do more business this summer if Barcelona accepts their transfer demands for Lewandowski.
Despite Bayern Munich's public statements, reports say Barcelona were always confident they would sell their second top goalscorer.
Top Bayern Munich management tried to retain Robert Lewandowski
The German club even sent their sporting director, Hasan Salihamidzic, to Mallorca to meet with the Pole and try to persuade him to stay for another season.
Nonetheless, Lewandowski craves a change of scenery and is eager to be tasked with resurrecting Barcelona, which is currently in one of its darkest periods in history, with debts totalling $1.5 billion.
Lewandowski has long insisted that Bayern Munich listen to Barcelona's offers because Catalonia is his sole destination in mind.
However, Bayern Munich's asking price will be a stumbling block not only because of Barcelona's financial difficulties but also because of the player's age and contract duration.
However, cash could be released in the coming days if Barcelona sells Frenkie de Jong to Manchester United for €80 million ($85 million) plus add-ons, with talks between the two clubs said to be advanced due to a mutual desire to complete a deal before June 30.
In addition, Joan Laporta appeared to be very confident about the club's finances following their members' decision to sell off a portion of the club's merchandising and TV deals to raise funds.