Manchester United could finally get their hands on a world-class talent following the latest developments regarding his contract, and the player has already said yes to a move
Ruben Amorim could upgrade Manchester United's attack again next summer by signing Robert Lewandowski from Barcelona. The Pole's contract at the Camp Nou is set to expire at the end of this season, though the Catalan giants have an option to extend his stay for another 12 months.
It's in doubt as to whether the Catalan kings will trigger said clause, however, given concerns regarding Lewandowski's age. Having turned 37 in the summer, it's reported there are doubts as to whether the striker still has the stamina to fulfil Hansi Flick's high-press tactics.
Barca's system is heavily reliant on occupying the opposition half, and much of that begins with the forward line. Lewandowski has scored four goals in nine appearances so far this term, but club bosses are supposedly eyeing next summer as their chances for a clean break.
But Barcelona's loss could prove to be United's gain if the Red Devils do attempt to sign Lewandowski on a free. And there's cause to believe the player would be receptive after previously giving the thumbs up to the English powerhouse.
"To Manchester United I decided and said yes," he told BBC Sport earlier this year. "I wanted to join Manchester United to see Alex Ferguson."
Lewandowski was in his pomp at Borussia Dortmund in 2012 when United first came searching for his signature. He had just enjoyed a breakthrough campaign after scoring 30 goals to help Dortmund secure their second straight Bundesliga title when Ferguson came calling.
In true Fergie fashion, the Old Trafford great identified one of Europe's finest finishers and plotted his raid. However, Dortmund held firm over Lewandowski, who went on to join Bayern Munich on a free two years later.
"They [Dortmund] could not sell me," he added. "Because they knew if I stayed they could earn more money, and that I could wait maybe one or two more years. But it is true that I said yes to Manchester United."
Many fans are aware Lewandowski came close to joining Blackburn Rovers in 2010 before the Icelandic ash cloud disrupted travel around Europe. However, not as many may be in the know as to just how close he came to joining United later on.
Despite his age, recruiting Lewandowski could still represent a win for United, even at his advanced age. Amorim is operating with Benjamin Sesko as his first line of attack having signed the 22-year-old from RB Leipzig in a £74million deal over the summer.
Given his lack of experience, one can appreciate why working alongside someone like Lewandowski could have major appeal. United boast plenty of potential in attack but are somewhat light on seasoned stars up front.
The Red Devils previously had success with Zlatan Ibrahimovic leading their line, and the Swede helped guide United to a Europa League and League Cup double in 2017. Ferguson had a habit of signing certain forwards in the advanced stages of their careers when he ruled at Old Trafford, and Amorim could perhaps do worse than to take a page from his book.