Bayern Munich’s 2-1 win over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League was embroidered with so many sub-texts, such as Jupp Heynckes’ Bayern farewell before handing over to Pep Guardiola, and the grudge match as Dortmund attempted to avenge their German Cup defeat from earlier this season. Perhaps most intriguingly of all, is the rumour that Bayern are planning an audacious swoop for Dortmund striker Robert Lewandoski.
Whispers have been gathering pace, and Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger even accidentally revealed on French television that Lewandoski is on his way to Bayern, although one should be careful not to take that as gospel.
As shop windows go, the Champions League has been a perfect one for the Polish goal-getter. His tie-winning performance against Real Madrid was one of the finest individual displays ever seen in the competition, and his value understandably shot up considerably. With his teammate Mario Gotze also making the switch to the new European champions, the urge to follow him must be strong, as Dortmund may yet have hit a glass ceiling.
Furthermore, although Jurgen Klopp’s managerial skills have been praised to high heavens, the chance to play under such a proven trophy-winning personality as Guardiola will be a tough one to turn down.
With 65 goals in the last two seasons, whoever Lewandoski graces with his presence will be getting a goal-getter of the highest quality. This season alone he has 25 Bundesliga goals to add to his ten European strikes. For the sake of a competitive German league, it would be tempting to hope he stays put.
Here is a taste of why he has wowed fans all over the world, and allegedly Guardiola in particular – is Lewandoski the latest to be cherry-picked from the Klopp production line?