Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has said he would like to play in the same team as Robert Lewandowski next season, with the Pole keen to leave Bayern Munich this summer.
Lewandowski has one more season left on his current Bayern contract but is keen for a new challenge at this stage of his career, having spent the last eight years in Munich.
Barça are the club most heavily linked with the prolific striker, although Bayern have remained reluctant to let him leave.
Lewandowski has even confirmed himself that, as things stand, he has only been interested in Barça.
“I have not considered any offer other than that of Barcelona,” he said.
The 33-year-old has also spoken of failing to understand why Bayern are digging in.
“It does not make sense,” he said earlier this month. “Not after this time. I would understand if I had been playing here for 2-4 years, but after such a successful path and readiness and support on my part, loyalty and respect are probably more important than business.”
But at the same time, he doesn’t want to force an exit from the Allianz Arena.
Listen now to 90min's brand new podcast, Talking Transfers, with Scott Saunders, Graeme Bailey & Toby Cudworth. This week Harry Symeou steps in for Scott and the trio discuss the futures of Bukayo Saka, Rafael Leao, Romelu Lukaku, Kalvin Phillips, Youri Tielemans, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Raphinha, Gabriel Jesus and more.
De Jong has welcomed the possibility that Lewandowski could join Barça.
“He’s an amazing player, one of the best in the world. It’s up to him. Of course I would like to have him in my team!” the Dutch international said.
However, whether De Jong will still be at Barcelona himself next season is increasingly uncertain. Talks are ongoing for the 25-year-old to join Manchester United, which would mean reuniting with former Ajax boss Erik ten Hag – 90min understands both clubs believe a deal will be in place in time for a medical to be conducted at the end of this month’s international schedule.
De Jong was coy about his future when asked if he was joining United, laughing as he brushed off questions about it: “No, I can't, I can't say anything.”
Manchester United have actually been keeping tabs on Lewandowski themselves. 90min revealed back in March that the Old Trafford club were among several clubs being sounded out by the player’s camp and that United were open to the idea.
Rumoured interest from Manchester has resurfaced again in recent days.
For more from Jamie Spencer, follow him on Twitter and Facebook!
Source : 90min