Nagelsmann wants clarity over Lewandowski’s Bayern future

Mainz’ German midfielder Dominik Kohr (L) vies with Bayern Munich’s Polish forward Robert Lewandowski during the German first division Bundesliga football match between 1 FSV Mainz 05 and FC Bayern Munich in Mainz, western Germany on April 30, 2022. (Photo by Daniel ROLAND / AFP)

With a tenth straight Bundesliga title secured, Bayern Munich coach Julian Nagelsmann wants to settle the future of star striker Robert Lewandowski so he can plan for next season.

As the title celebrations raged last Saturday after a home win over Dortmund that meant Bayern cannot be caught, Lewandowski was reluctant to discuss his plans.

The Pole’s contract expires in 2023, but while Bayern’s bosses insist he will stay next season, persistent rumours link the 33-year-old to Barcelona.

Lewandowski’s agent Pini Zahavi met Bayern’s senior bosses in a Munich restaurant on Thursday, but no progress was made towards signing a contract extension.

“Basically, it’s always good to have planning security – in all areas of life, including the strikers,” Nagelsmann said Friday. “That’s why I would also like us to reach an agreement.”

Nagelsmann is irritated by the constant speculation, adding: “I must have said 50 times that I would like him to stay.”

Lewandowski, twice voted FIFA’s best male player, has won every title possible with Bayern, who he joined on a free transfer from Dortmund in 2014.

He is set to be crowned Bundesliga top scorer for the fifth straight season and can add to his tally of 33 goals in Saturday’s away match at Mainz.

If he starts, Lewandowski will be without his forward partner Thomas Mueller, who misses the trip to Mainz with illness, Nagelsmann said.

In the fight for Champions League places, Freiburg can sneak back into the top four with a