FOOTBALL
Lewandowski is a Barcelona player finally!
Barcelona have achieved one of their primary objectives for the coming season.
They signed Poland striker Robert Lewandowski from Bayern Munich on a four-year contract worth 50m euros (£42.6m).
The 33-year-old had one year left on his contract with the German champions but decided to leave after a series of disagreements with current manager, Julian Nagelsmann.
The Poland international had also been linked with Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain.
Lewandowski will join his new team-mates in Miami as part of Barcelona’s four-match tour in the United States.
“I’m finally here. I’m delighted to be at Barca,” Lewandowski said.
“The last few days have been very long, but the deal is done and now I can focus on a new chapter and challenge in my life.
“I’ve always wanted to play in La Liga and for the big clubs.
“I’m here to help Barca get back to the top and win as many titles as possible.”
Lewandowski joined Bayern on a free transfer in 2014 after his departure from Borussia Dortmund.
He had a phenomenal run at Bayern scoring an incredible 344 goals in 374 games.
He won eight league titles and one Champions League trophy at Bayern.
In 2020-21, he achieved the impossible by setting a new Bundesliga record – by scoring 41 times, that broke Gerd Muller’s record of 40 goals.
Lewandowski’s arrival will add to a busy summer of recruitment for Xavi’s side.
Other players who have signed up for Barca include the Brazil winger Raphinha who completed his €58m move from Leeds.
Franck Kessié and Andreas Christensen, who were out of contract at Milan and Chelsea, respectively are the other marquee signings.
France winger Ousmane Dembele has also signed a contract extension with Barcelona this summer, after accepting a wage cut.
Meanwhile, Bayern have signed Netherlands defender Matthijs de Ligt from Juventus on a five-year contract in a deal worth 77m euros (£65.6m).