Bundesliga News

Report:
Bayern identify possible replacements for Lewandowski

By Rune Gjerulff   @runegjerulff

Sport Bild reports that Sasa Kalajdzic, Patrik Schick and Benjamin Sesko are seen as candidates to replace Robert Lewandowski at FC Bayern, should the Polish international leave the club.
Robert Lewandowski.
Robert Lewandowski.Photo: Sven Mandel / CC-BY-SA-4.0
Bayern München have identified VfB Stuttgart's Sasa Kalajdzic, Bayer Leverkusen's Patrik Schick and RB Salzburg's Benjamin Sesko as possible replacements for Robert Lewandowski, according to Sport Bild.


With just one year remaining on his current contract, Lewandowski is being linked with a move away from Allianz Arena.

FC Barcelona, in particular, are said to be keen on him, with some reports claiming that the Spanish club have already approached the aging Polish international.

Bayern CEO Oliver Kahn, however, insisted on Tuesday that there are no plans to let Lewandowski go this summer, telling Amazon Prime:

"We definitely have Robert with us for another season. We know what we have in him and we're relaxed about it. Apparently there's a competition out there: 'Who will tell the biggest nonsense story about Robert Lewandowski?'

"Talks will continue. We're not crazy and are [not] discussing the transfer of a player who scores between 30 and 40 goals with us every season."


Bayern are reportedly yet to approach Lewandowski over a new deal, but negotiations could prove difficult, with the length of the contract and the player's salary demands seen as potential stumbling blocks.

According to Sport Bild, Lewandowski is demanding a contract worth €30 million per season – an increase of €6 million from his current deal. In addition, the 33-year-old wants a contract until 2025, but Bayern would prefer a deal until 2024.

Should Lewandowski end up leaving Bayern in spite of the club's desire to keep him, Stuttgart's Sasa Kalajdzic could be brought in as his successor, per Sport Bild, who claims Bayern made contact with the tall forward in January.

Kalajdzic is widely expected to leave Stuttgart this summer and would cost a reported fee of €20 million.

Another, more expensive candidate is said to be Patrik Schick, who is valued at around €75 million by Leverkusen, per Sport Bild.

However, Bayern's chances of acquiring the Czech international don't currently look too good, not just because of his price, but also because Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro has already underlined that the striker will not be going anywhere at the moment.

Sport Bild also mentions RB Salzburg's Benjamin Sesko. However, being just 18 years old, the youngster would probably be an investment for the future rather than a direct replacement for Lewandowski.


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