Here is why Barcelona’s pursuit of Robert Lewandowski makes no sense

A long-running transfer saga about Robert Lewandowski’s potential mega-money move from Bayern Munich to Barcelona continues to make headlines. 

Despite boasting the likes of Memphis Depay and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in their ranks, the Spaniards are still hell-bent on landing the 34-year-old goal machine. 

As per the most recent reports, the Catalan heavyweights are on the verge of completing a massive €68million deal with Leeds United over Raphninha’s move to Camp Nou. 

On top of that, quicksilver forward Ousmane Dembele is close to committing to a new contract after months of negotiations, further solidifying Xavi Hernandez’s attacking options. 

So it is reasonable to question Barcelona’s decision to earmark substantial funds to land wantaway Bayern talisman Lewandowski. 

It could take up to €50m to convince the perennial Bundesliga champions to let go of their most prolific striker against their will. 

Though the Bavarians are desperate to keep hold of the Poland international, the player’s desire to try out a new challenge outside the Allianz Arena could prove crucial.

According to Express Sport, Lewandowski showed up late for training on Monday as part of his effort to force his way out of Munich in the coming weeks. 

While there is no doubt he would be an immediate upgrade on Barcelona’s current centre-forward options, the question remains – do they need him so desperately?

Senseless move

Barcelona endured a thoroughly underwhelming 2021/22 season by their standards as they had to settle for their first trophyless campaign in a while. 

However, their underachieving campaign had nothing to do with their attacking woes, with only reigning champions Real Madrid (80) scoring more than them (68). 

A scoring ratio of 1.78 goals per La Liga match would have been unthinkably low back in the glory days of Lionel Messi, but it’s not bad at all. 

Indeed, Xavi’s side netted 2+ goals in 50% of their top-flight fixtures last season, showing they know where the goal is. 

With Ansu Fati back from a long-term injury and Raphinha’s imminent arrival from Leeds, Barcelona’s firepower next season will be as fierce as ever. 

But what about the defence?

Of the sides to have secured the European spots last season, only two conceded more goals than Barca (38). 

Xavi’s men recorded a mere 11 clean sheets from 38 La Liga outings in 2021/22, which was enough for the bottom half of defensive charts in Spain’s top division. 

With all due respect to Gerard Pique, his peak powers are well behind him as he has become prone to making silly mistakes due to a lack of a reliable partner at the back.

At 35, what can you expect from him?

It is hard to put the blame on their long-serving centre-back as he was forced to play alongside injury-prone Samuel Umtiti, unsettled Clement Lenglet and inexperienced Ronald Araujo. 

The signing of Andreas Christensen from Chelsea could be massive, but the Dane alone could prove insufficient to address Barcelona’s significant defensive issues. 

And instead of focusing on strengthening their backline, the Catalans are too busy working on reinforcing their well-structured attacking line-up.

Doesn’t make sense, right?