Robert Lewandowski’s potential destinations – ranked

In a post-Lionel Messi world, Barcelona desperately needed a star. They pivoted to Robert Lewandowski.

Barca didn’t merely turn to the Polish superstar to aid an ailing on-field outfit, but they regarded the prolific striker as the perfect profile to alter the opinions of an alienated fanbase. In Lewandowski, the club had a name; a star capable of selling a bucket-load of shirts.

And while Lewandowski’s goals propelled Barcelona to the La Liga title less than a year after his €45m move, questions remain regarding to overall success of the move. Vintage sequences have come few and far between in year two, with Barca enduring an indifferent title defence.

Tension and disagreement with coach and teammates have plagued the striker’s 2023/24 season amid a downturn in production. Lewandowski remains well-admired in the Barca dressing room, but a sale this summer certainly hasn’t been ruled out.

The 35-year-old must back himself to prolong his stay at the top table, but elite-level suitors might be hard to come by should Barca opt to cut ties.

Here are five possible candidates for Lewandowski’s signature.

Borussia Dortmund took a chance on a young Lewandowski in 2010, with the Polish forward having only starred in his homeland. However, the €4.5m arrival would prove to be one of the club’s greatest ever signings.

The Pole was forced to be patient in Germany, but he took his chance in 2011/12 as Dortmund won the Bundesliga title and reached the Champions League final a year later. His reputation soared at Signal Iduna Park, but his decision to depart Dortmund in favour of Bayern Munich as a free agent wrecked his relationship with the Yellow Wall.

While Lewandowski fondly recalls his time at Dortmund and many supporters may have forgiven the forward they once adored, a reunion appears unlikely – even if BVB could be in the market for a striker this summer.

Likelihood rating: 2/10

In Rasmus Hojlund, Man Utd may well have found their number nine for the long-term, and INEOS have an exciting young forward to build around.

However, United are bereft of cover options. Anthony Martial will move on at the end of the season, while Marcus Rashford rarely stars in a central position.

The Red Devils have targeted veterans to fill their striker void in recent years, with the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Edinson Cavani, and…