Bayern's condition to sell Lewandowski to Barcelona this summer

Bayern Munich have put the handbrake on Robert Lewandowski's exit. The German club had decided to sell the striker to avoid problems in the dressing room and bring in money for a player who can leave for free next summer, but the problems in finding a replacement have changed their plans.

For that reason, Bayern have not yet heeded to Lewandowski's request to leave this summer and have so far declared him not for sale, despite his public comments about leaving.

Bayern moved for Erling Haaland, who moved to Manchester City, and are also negotiating for Sadio Mane (Liverpool) and Darwin Nuñez (Benfica), but the prices are proving prohibitive. There is a lot of tension between all parties and they have communicated to Lewandowski's camp that they won't listen to offers if they don't have a replacement.

Lewandowski's agent, Pini Zahavi, planned to meet with Bayern this week to present Barça's first proposal and open negotiations. The player's posture remains clear and he hopes Bayern will find a substitute to open the door to an exit. It's all a question of negotiating at the moment.

Both Bayern and Lewandowski know they are obliged to reach an understanding, but it is also true the German club cannot let their star striker leave without replacing him. The prices on the market are high. Bayern have always been conservative, more so than other clubs, when it comes to signings. Benfica want 100m for Darwin, while Liverpool won't negotiate for Mane.

Barça are not in a rush. Everything is more or less agreed with Lewandowski and they need to reach an agreement with Bayern. They know that is the most complicated part of the deal but they are convinced everything will be fixed for around 35-40m. They don't think it will happen quickly, although the plan is for Lewandowski to be at Camp Nou for preseason. Everything is now in Bayern's hands as they seek a new striker.