Real Madrid 'launch plan' to sign Robert Lewandowski, raising doubts over Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema futures
A summer move for the Bayern Munich striker would place both Benzema and Ronaldo's future in doubt as Real look to rebuild
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Your support makes all the difference.Real Madrid are prepared to mount a transfer bid to sign Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski in the summer, placing the futures of Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale under serious doubt.
Spanish newspaper AS claims that Real have mounted a planned attempt to land the Poland international at the end of the season, and the speculation surrounding a move intensified when Lewandowski’s agent, Cezary Kucharski, was seen at the Santiago Bernabeu during Real’s 4-1 victory over Getafe.
Lewandowski’s current contract expires at the end of the 2018/19 season and Bayern will not be rushed on his future, although it’s added that they would be willing to make him the highest paid player at the club and want him to extend his stay at the Allianz Arena.
At 27 years old though, Lewandowski’s decision is likely to decide where he spends the majority of what’s left of his career.
Real are keen on bringing the former Borussia Dortmund striker in from the Bundesliga in a bid to improve morale among fans and begin a rebuilding process. Part of that could see Ronaldo move on at the end of the season, with both Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain said to be interested in signing the Portuguese should Real make him available.
There are also doubts arising over Benzema’s future with the Madrid club given the ongoing investigation into his role in an alleged blackmail attempt of his France team-mate Mathieu Valbuena and a sex tape of him and his wife.
Benzema has spoken of his belief that he will return to the France squad in time for the European Championships at the end of the season, but the attention surrounding the player is not helping his image in Madrid and, having been with the club for six seasons come next summer, he could well be moved on in order to freshen up Real’s attack.
The likelihood is though that Bale will remain with Real and form a partnership with Lewandowski should Real get their man. Real president Florentino Perez is standing by his decision to spend the world record £86m on Bale two years ago, and despite links with a move to United, the Wales international looks set to stay beyond the summer.
Bayern could reluctantly sell Lewandowski as part of their own rebuilding campaign, with doubts over Pep Guardiola’s future as head coach. Guardiola is out of contract at the end of the season and is being heavily tipped for a move to the Premier League, and selling Lewandowski would give whoever Bayern choose to replace the former Barcelona man the financial capability to build his own squad and bring in a big name to replace the Pole.
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