Reports: Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos urge €80m striker to join Real Madrid
What’s the story?
Robert Lewandowski is being urged to join Real Madrid by Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos, according to a report in Spanish news outlet AS. Despite the presence of Karim Benzema in the squad, Ronaldo and Ramos reportedly had a conversation with the Bayern Munich striker, before the Pole himself also spoke to Real Madrid President, Florentino Perez.
In case you didn’t know...
Real Madrid already have Karim Benzema and Alvaro Morata vying for the central striker role, Robert Lewandowski can claim to comfortably be the better player, having banged in 106 goals in 141 games for Bayern Munich ever since joining the Bundesliga champions. Bayern Munich recently extended the Polish superstar’s contract until the 2020/21 season, but this will have little effect if Lewandowski is keen to move, with Real Madrid currently valuing him at €80 million.
Also Read: Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich: A Tale of Two Strikers
The heart of the matter
Bayern Munich currently pay Lewandowski a salary of €15 million that rises to €17-18 million with add-ons and bonuses – he’s the best-paid player in the Bundesliga, ahead of the likes of Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery. Real Madrid can comfortably offer the Polish striker an increase in salary, as their financial capabilities dwarf those of Bayern.
According to the report, Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos spoke with Lewandowski after the game, complimenting him on his efforts and urging him to join Madrid. The pair even said Los Blancos ‘have room’ for the Bayern striker, perhaps indicating that one of Karim Benzema and Alvaro Morata will be sold in the summer.
Also Read: 5 Real Madrid players who have no future at the club
Florentino Perez also went on to speak with Lewandowski after the game, said the report. The Real Madrid president reportedly enquired about the health of the Polish striker’s pregnant wife, Ana, before offering him the best wishes for the rest of the season.
What next?
Very few strikers can turn down Real Madrid when they come calling, and Robert Lewandowski has previous when it comes to moving on to a ‘bigger’ club. Bayern Munich may be left with no choice but to sell their star striker in the summer, especially if Florentino Perez offers them a huge fee.
Author’s Take
It’s a bit surprising to see that Real Madrid are in the market for Robert Lewandowski, considering that Karim Benzema is one of Florentino Perez’ ‘favourites’. However, many Madrid fans have grown frustrated with the Frenchman and will be overjoyed to see an improved striker in Lewandowski join the club.