Despite strong rumours linking Robert Lewandowski with Barcelona, Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer says he is “confident” that the forward will not leave the club this summer.
Following the club’s 10th consecutive Bundesliga title victory, Lewandowski confirmed that he will not be extending his contract at Allianz Arena, igniting intense speculation about his future.
Before the latest international break, the 33-year-old went even further, insisting that his “story at Bayern is over.” While Barca is reportedly leading the race to sign him, Hainer still expects him to honor his contract for another season.
As he stated in an interview with BILD, Bayern chief believes Lewandowski should have kept his future plans a secret.
“A contract is a contract! Where are we going if a player can end a contract prematurely while we as a club would have to pay him in full up to the last day of the term?
“I was a bit surprised that Robert chose to go public, I wouldn’t have done it in his place.
“Bayern is a club that treats its players very well, that does everything to enable them to perform at their best. And I have to say, appreciation is not a one-way street!”
Bayern have no reason to sell Lewandowski this summer, according to Hainer, and he is unconcerned about the striker being enticed by a move to Barcelona or any other suitors at this point.
“We’re in the fortunate position that we don’t have any financial difficulties,” he added. “We want to have the best players and Robert is one of the best.
“That’s why I’m confident that he’ll be with us again next season. Robert is a full professional, he wants to play football.”
Bayern Munich is reportedly negotiating a deal for Liverpool’s Sadio Mane in order to bolster their attacking options for the 2022-23 season.
Hainer has refused to be drawn on a possible transfer for the Senegalese international, but he has stated that no player is out of reach for the German champions.
“If we really want a player, we are able to get him, but he has to suit us,” he said.
Serge Gnabry’s contract situation was also discussed by the Allianz Arena president, with the 26-year-old set to enter the free agency pool at the same time as Lewandowski.
Former Arsenal starlet Serge Gnabry has been linked with a return to the Premier League, and Hainer admits that contract negotiations aren’t going well.
“Unfortunately, there hasn’t been an agreement yet. There are still a few different ideas,” he said when quizzed on the winger.
