Robert Lewandowski may use legal means to force through his exit from Bayern Munich this summer.
According to ‘Bayern Insider’ Christian Falk, the 33-year-old could invoke Article 17 of FIFA’s Regulations for the Status and Transfer of Players.
This states that any player who signed a contract before the age of 28 can buy himself out three years after the deal was signed.
If he is 28 or older, the time limit is shortened to two years. Lewandowski’s agent Pini Zahavi is aware of the loophole.
A precedent for this type of move was set in 2006 when Andy Webster attempted to force through a move from Hearts to Wigan Athletic.
In Lewandowski’s case, he would be required to compensate Bayern with the salary for the final year of his contract – an estimated €24 million.
This is less than the reported €32m transfer fee Barcelona are willing to pay Bayern to secure Lewandowski’s services.
While Article 17 gives the Polish striker a route out of Bayern, he would probably prefer not to take such drastic action.
Lewandowski would become the highest-profile player to invoke the clause and could suffer reputational damage if he heads down that route.
He recently confirmed his intention to leave Bayern and end his hugely successful eight-year association with the club.
“My era at Bayern is over,” he said (via Fabrizio Romano). “I don’t see any possibility to continue playing for this club anymore.
“Bayern’s a serious club and I believe they won’t keep me – I don’t want to play there anymore. A transfer is the best solution. I hope they don’t stop me.”
While Lewandowski is eager to join Barcelona, their financial situation means there is no guarantee a deal could be concluded.
The La Liga giants have called an Extraordinary General Meeting on June 16 that will allow members to vote on two proposals which could generate around £630 million for the club.
If the proposals are not passed, Barcelona’s ability to sign players would be severely compromised.
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