Robert Lewandowski asks Barcelona not to sign 24-year-old striker after being afraid of losing his place in team: Reports
Robert Lewandowski has reportedly urged Barcelona not to sign Lille striker Jonathan David in the summer of 2025. This is according to a report from El Nacional, who claim that the Poland ace does not want to compete for minutes in the number nine position.
The news outlet adds that the former Bayern Munich forward's intervention could well mean that the Blaugrana do not sign the Canadian. It would be a significant call, given Lewandowski is now 36 years old and contracted with his side only till the summer of 2026.
On the other hand, the acquisition of David would be very reasonable as he would become available for free in 2025 once his contract expires at Lille. The 24-year-old has also enjoyed a good start to the current campaign, notching up 17 goals and four assists in 24 matches across competitions. Barcelona would also be a suitable club to join, with the side currently looking for a long-term successor to Lewandowski.
To date, Lewandowski has made 117 appearances across competitions for the Spanish giants, bagging 82 goals and 19 assists in the process. He's managed to win the LaLiga title once and has won the Pichichi trophy once since joining Barcelona in the summer of 2022 from Bayern Munich for a reported €45 million.
Lewandowski also continues to contribute heavily to Hansi Flick's cause, having scored 23 goals in 22 appearances across competitions this campaign.
Barcelona linked with a move for Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres - Reports
Barcelona's links to prospective strike options are certainly not limited to just Jonathan David. Reports in Portugal continue to link Sporting number nine Viktor Gyokeres to Camp Nou (via beIN Sports).
However, this move will certainly not be cheap or without competition from other clubs in Europe. The Sweden international is set to cost anywhere between €68 million and €78 million.
On top of that, the player seems to have caught the eye of Premier League clubs like Arsenal, Manchester City, and Manchester United. Gyokeres may be drawn to Old Trafford, given the time he spent with current Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim at Sporting.
The 26-year-old has put out brilliant numbers this season, scoring 25 goals in 23 appearances across competitions. At the moment, he's contracted with the Portuguese outfit till the summer of 2028.