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Bayern Munich sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic has shut down suggestions that Robert Lewandowski will be leaving the club after they signed Sadio Mane.
The Poland international has entered the final year of his contract with the Bundesliga champions and has made it clear he is keen for a move, with Barcelona his preferred destination.
Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain have also been attributed with an interest in the 33-year-old but, despite any desire Lewandowski may have for a new venture, Bayern’s stance seems clear.
Queried by Sport Bild regarding suggestions that Barcelona are preparing a bid for the forward, he replied: “I don’t care about that. I’m expecting to see Robert in training at Sabener Strasse on July 12.”
Salihamidzic was then asked if Lewandowski’s future had been secured with the signing of Mane but batted away the question once again, adding: “I understand your question, but our position is clear: Robert has a contract until the summer of 2023.”
Bayern’s capture of Mane from Liverpool on Wednesday stands as one of the headline transfers across Europe so far but the Bayern chief made it clear the signing was not to cover for a potential loss of Lewandowski.
He explained: “We signed Sadio to increase the competition in our team.
“We weren’t happy with our Champions League exit against Villarreal. We want to strengthen the fight for spots in our team.
“The signing of Mane will reshuffle the cards for every attacking player. We have never thought about having to let a player go when we signed Sadio.”
Bayern begin the new season with a DFL Supercup clash against RB Leipzig, before commencing the defence of their Bundesliga crown on the road against Europa League winners Eintracht Frankfurt.
