Robert Lewandowski won the Bundesliga title in each of his eight seasons with Bayern Munich from 2014-15 to 2021-22. /CFP
Barcelona and Bayern Munich have reportedly reached an agreement over the transfer of Polish super striker Robert Lewandowski.
Prominent Italian football journalist Fabrizio Romano first reported the deal which has since been substantiated by several media outlets.
"Robert Lewandowski to Barcelona, here we go! FC Bayern have just told Barça that they have accepted final proposal. Agreement finally in place between all parties," Romano posted on Twitter. "Lewandowski asked Bayern to leave also on Friday – he will (join) Barcelona during the weekend."
ESPN revealed subsequently that Barca will pay a transfer fee of 45 million euros (about $45.4 million) plus five million euros (about $5.04 million) of add-ons.
Robert Lewandowski of Bayern Munich poses with the Kicker Goalscorer's Crown after the Bundesliga game against VfL Wolfsburg at Volkswagen Arena in Wolfsburg, Germany, May 14, 2022. /CFP
Barca have already signed Pablo Torre, Franck Kessie, Andreas Christensen and Raphinha ahead of the next season. The team's manager Xavi Hernandez wanted the 33-year-old Pole to enhance the firepower of his squad.
Lewandowski scored 344 goals and 72 assists in 375 games for Bayern in eight seasons, winning eight straight Bundesliga titles, three DFB-Pokal championships and one UEFA Champions League title. He also won the European Golden Shoe award in the past two seasons.
It has been months since he requested Bayern to let him depart for Barca, but the German powerhouses were very keen to keep him for the last year of his contract until this week.
Sadio Mane (L) and Robert Lewandowski of Bayern Munich in team practice, July 13, 2022. /CFP
Bayern bought Senegalese star winger Sadio Mane from Liverpool in June to infuse new blood into their offensive line. Currently, they are negotiating with Juventus to introduce world-class center-back Matthijs de Ligt of the Netherlands. The German club has already reached an agreement with de Ligt on personal terms.
Lewandowski joining Barca means Chelsea will have to look for other options to improve their striker position. The team signed English winger Raheem Sterling from Manchester City this week and, earlier on Saturday, they also announced the arrival of Senegalese center-back Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli.