Manchester United and Bayern Munich are leading the chase for Poland striker Robert Lewandowski, who seems poised to leave Borussia Dortmund this summer. But Manchester City could also be in with a chance, with reports in Germany suggesting Dortmund would be keen to take Edin Dzeko in part-exchange. Metro takes a look at why Lewandowski is so sought after.
What sets him apart from Europe’s other top strikers?
Lewandowski is calmness personified when presented with a chance, he’s brave and has decent pace but he’s also unselfish and is willing to set up a team-mate if they are in a better position to score.
More: Edin Dzeko on Borussia Dortmund shortlist
Was he always this good?
Well, not exactly. Respected Polish coach Franciszek Smuda, who was in charge of the national team when they hosted last summer’s Euros, was the manager at Lech Poznan when he travelled to watch the then 20-year-old Lewandowski in a lower league match. But after 15 minutes, Smuda reportedly shouted at the man who had told him Lewandowski was a good player: ‘You owe me petrol money. If I wanted to see trees I would have gone to the forest instead.’ Times changed and Smuda later signed the exciting young forward from Znicz Pruszkow.
Who else is in for him?
It’s probably easier to list the clubs who are not interested in signing Lewandowski. All three of London’s big teams – Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal – have been linked with the 24-year-old, so have Liverpool, but the two Manchester clubs will go toe-to-toe for his services. Bayern Munich could blow them both out of the water, however, if new coach Pep Guardiola wants to upgrade his attack and prefers Lewandowski to Luis Suarez.
Does Lewandowski come from a sporting background?
As it happens, all his immediate family have achieved a degree of sporting greatness. His father, Krzysztof, was a Polish judo champion and also played football for Hutnik Warszawa in the second division while mum Iwona played volleyball for AZS Warszawa. Robert’s sister, Milena, also plays volleyball and has represented Poland at under-21 level.
What about his private life, is he a playboy?
It appears Lewandowski is more of a home bird as he is ready to settle down. Not that he would step out of line, but fiancee Anna Stachurska won the bronze medal at the 2009 Karate World Cup. They are engaged to be married in Warsaw this summer. Apparently she trains with her beau and has helped him improve his ability in the air. The loving couple have been dubbed ‘the Beckhams of Poland’ by the German media.
So how much will Lewandowski cost?
Not as much as his talents would suggest because his contract is running down and expires at the end of next season. He was valued at £30million last summer but that plunged to £18million in January and is set to tumble again because of contract is coming to an end. However, Dortmund insist they would rather Lewandowski played next season and then left for nothing rather than accept a sub-standard offer when the new transfer window opens. They are determined to play hard ball on this one.
~Metro » Football | Metro UK~
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