Not many players or transfer sagas can say that they grip the attention of almost every football supporter around the world.
Aside from Lionel Messi's recent dramatic exit from Barcelona and switch to Paris Saint-Germain and ongoing speculation concerning the future of fellow PSG star Kylian Mbappe, not that many transfers force the football world to continuously keep tabs on what is going on. For Messi, however, there was an exception. He is, arguably, the greatest player of all-time and his exit from Barcelona was something that almost everyone thought would never happen. After all, the last couple of years have been unpredictable in more ways than one.
Now, the latest transfer saga, less than a fortnight after the monsoon that surrounded the future of Messi, could be about to be ignited, this one concerning the future of Robert Lewandowski and his time at Bayern Munich. According to a report by Sky Sports, Lewandowski, although he is no great rush to leave the German giants, wants to secure a move to another big-name European club by the time he turns 35.
It is claimed that Bayern would be looking to secure around £100million for the Poland international. On the face of it, £100million for one of the very best strikers on the planet, especially in this day and age, seems reasonable. Lewandowski's record speaks for itself. Not enough adjectives are available to describe his talents in front of goal. But one stat that highlights just how brilliant a goalscorer he is, is the fact that he netted 48 goals in 40 appearances last term. That is impressive to say the least.
However, his age may be a factor that puts clubs off pursuing a big-money move for him. For instance, Lewandowski, who has scored three goals in his opening two outings this term, was linked with a move to Manchester United many years ago, at a time where he was entering the prime years of his career, even though, currently, he still plays like he is within that period.
With two years left on his current deal at Bayern and the German giants having already signalled their intentions to keep hold of him for this season, the likelihood of United pursuing a £100million for a 33-year-old next summer is slim. As good a player he is, and would certainly add goals to United's armoury, the short-term financial output would not be rewarded with long-term benefits.
Admittedly, he may come into Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's squad for a couple of seasons and bang in 20 goals in each of those two campaigns, but beyond that where do United stand? Is a £100million transfer fee really worth it for a player who is coming towards the end of a sensational career? For the general profile of United, maybe, yes, but not for the club's long-term structure and business model.
The signing of Jadon Sancho proves that United want players with their careers ahead of them, not players who are edging towards the time when retirement frequently crops up in conversation.
In truth, signing Lewandowski would almost be a carbon copy of landing Edinson Cavani, without the small matter of a mega-money transfer fee. Of course, understandably, Lewandowski has enjoyed the better career of the pair of them and, at this current moment in time, is considered as the better player. But in terms of their ages there is little between them. United would not be gaining anything, not in that sense.
Therefore, it is time to bring Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland into the equation. MEN Sport understands that he is United's priority signing to strengthen the attacking ranks for the future, but United also know that they will face an almighty fight to sign him. He is the future, the player that children growing up today are going to look up to as their role model. He could be United's poster boy for years to come.
To make a move for him all the more intriguing, the release clause within his contract that comes into effect next summer means he will be available for less than what Bayern are set to demand for Lewandowski. Just stop and think about that for a second.
It makes the decision to move for Haaland instead of his Bundesliga Golden Boot rival all the more enticing.
Haaland is the next big thing and one that United, if they were to sign him, could most probably make a significant profit on in years to come if he was to excel at Old Trafford and move on. However, Bayern could put pay to that by swooping for Haaland to replace Lewandowski if he was to move on.
A domino effect could be caused by Lewandowski's wishes, not just between him and Haaland but various other strikers, including Harry Kane, but United should steer clear from Lewandowski and refuse any temptation that may cross their minds. Haaland is their top target and the developments concerning the Poland international should not change their stance on that.
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