Bayern Munich's futile pursuit of Erling Haaland could see them pay the ultimate price of losing Robert Lewandowski this summer.
The prolific Pole has struck 45 times in 37 appearances for Bayern this season, however, there remain question marks over his future at the club. The 33-year-old is out of contract in the summer of 2023 and, as of yet, a fresh Bayern offer has not been forthcoming.
Lewandowski recently admitted that he is "open to anything" as the uncertainty surrounding his future lingers on and the striker won't be short of suitors come the end of the season. Though Bayern reportedly remain confident of tying him down to a new deal, the club's pursuit of his potential replacement could prove costly.
According to Sport Bild, the reason the current Bundesliga champions have been hesitant over offering their star striker a new deal is due to their interest in Borussia Dortmund's Haaland. However, their hopes of signing the Norwegian appear to have been short-lived.
Bayern CEO Oliver Kahn is said to be a huge admirer of the 21-year-old's and discussed the prospect of Haaland joining Bayern in a meeting with his agent Mino Raiola. However, a move has since been deemed not financially viable, seemingly putting paid to the idea that Haaland could succeed Lewandowski.
The club's reluctance to resolve the Pole's contract saga, coupled with their public pursuit of Haaland, could now prove costly this summer. Bayern are running the risk of being left without a talisman up top amid speculation that Lewandowski could end his eight-year association the Bundesliga giants at the end of this season.
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Speaking to Sky Sport Deutschland on the subject of no contract offer from Bayern, Lewandowski admitted earlier this month: "I am open to everything. I'm quiet."
"It is important for me to be able to focus on my game, always on what can happen in the last match. Everything that remains to be done regarding contracts is a secondary issue and remains in the background."
It isn't the first time Lewandowski has hinted that his time at the Allianz Arena could be coming to an imminent end either. Back in December, when probed about the possibility of a new deal, he replied: "I'm not thinking about that.
"I'm happy with how things are at the moment and focused on the current season. I'm used to rumours every year so that doesn't bother me. I haven't read the press for a long time."
Despite fears Bayern's pursuit of Haaland could see them lose Lewandowski, the club's chairman Herbert Hainer recently admitted he remains confident the striker will see out the remainder of his career in Bavaria - along with Thomas Muller and Manuel Neuer. He stated: "I would love for all three of them to finish their careers at FC Bayern and I also firmly assume they will."
Since joining Bayern from Bundesliga rivals Dortmund in the summer of 2014, Lewandowski has established himself as one of the most revered strikers in world football having helped fire the club to numerous honours, including seven Bundesliga titles and one Champions League crown. A new challenge could now be on the cards however, with the likes of Liverpool, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain all said to be interested.
