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Robert Lewandowski remains part of Julian Nagelsmann’s plans for next season, despite speculation that the prolific striker could be on his way out of Bayern Munich.
The Poland international has a little over 12 months remaining on his contract with the Bundesliga champions and has been linked with a move to Barcelona.
According to reports from Germany on Thursday, Lewandowski has informed Bayern he does not intend to sign a new contract as he is seeking a new challenge elsewhere.
Should that be the case, Bayern must decide whether to cash in on the 33-year-old or lose him for nothing in a year’s time when his deal expires.
While Nagelsmann was unwilling to confirm whether Lewandowski has made clear his thoughts to leave, the Bayern boss insists the club’s position remains the same.
“He has been training very well, showing good commitment and scoring great goals,” Nagelsmann said ahead of Saturday’s league trip to Wolfsburg.
“He will be in the starting line-up tomorrow. His contractual situation is known and I won’t give any information about anything else.
“If you want that then you’ll have to ask Robert or [sporting director] Hasan Salihamidzic. But otherwise our position is known.”
Nagelsmann said last week that Bayern had held positive talks with Lewandowski, while chief executive Oliver Kahn categorically ruled out a sale in the next transfer window.
Further probed on whether he has spoken to Lewandowski regarding his future, Nagelsmann said: “I don’t have to.
“It’s normal he’s in my plans because he has a contract until June 2023. I often meet and speak with him. But we don’t need to talk every single day.”
Lewandowski joined Bayern from domestic rivals Borussia Dortmund in 2014 and has scored 343 goals in 374 appearances for the Bavarian giants.
That is 16 more than next-best Lionel Messi (327) in all competitions across the same period among players from Europe’s top five leagues, followed by Cristiano Ronaldo (321).
He has scored 49 goals this season alone, which again makes him Europe’s most prolific striker, with Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema (44) next on the list.
Lewandowski’s goals have helped Bayern to a 10th straight Bundesliga triumph this season, though they disappointingly fell short in the DFB-Pokal and Champions League.
Asked if he will have the final say on whether Lewandowski stays or leaves, Nagelsmann said: “It’s always a discussion with Kahn, Salihamidzic and me. I’m not more important.”
