The upcoming weeks will see Bayern Munich linked with several strikers across Europe. The German club is expected to part ways with Robert Lewandowski as Barcelona ramps up interest with multiple bids for the forward.
Bayern will not be signing a superstar to replace Lewandowski. They have already rejected the chance to sign Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United for the right reasons. The German Champions will most likely look to get a young forward with bags of potential to become a long-term replacement for Lewandowski.
According to Transfermarkt’s Manuel Veth, Bayern has identified Stade Reims striker Hugo Ekitike as the top target to replace Lewandowski. Newcastle United had a deal in place with the French club, but the French striker is yet to give the green light to the transfer. The deliberation from Ekitike to join Newcastle definitely allows other clubs to come into the picture.
Ekitike was one of the most promising young strikers in Europe last season. In his first full season in the senior team at Reims, Ekitike managed to score ten goals in 24 Ligue 1 appearances. He also chipped in with four assists during the league campaign. (Stats courtesy: Transfermarkt)
Hugo Ekitike is high on #Bayern’s list should the club opt to sell Lewandowski to #Barca. The Stade Reims forward had a deal in place with Newcastle for weeks but was reluctant to sign at the end. The 20-year-old is considered a big talent only doubt is his fitness issues. 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/ps3OKJ3sFD
— Manuel Veth (@ManuelVeth) June 26, 2022
The French striker has bags of potential, so it is understandable why Bayern will be interested in him. In the short term, he cannot be considered a replacement for Lewandowski. The Polish striker has scored 40+ goals in the last three seasons. Ekitike will have to do something special to emulate that level of output if he moves to Bavaria.
Die Roten will ideally like goals distributed across all forward players when Lewandowski leaves this summer. Sadio Mane will add more goals to the squad. If Ekitike ends up at Bavaria, an ideal target for the first season will be 15-20 goals across all competitions. He should be ideally rotated in and out of the team but still, end up getting adequate playing time.
In terms of the transfer fee, Bayern may have to cough up a fee of over €25 million for the French striker. Newcastle United is reportedly ready to pay a similar fee, so Reims will like other clubs to at least match the English club’s bid.
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The German Champions will only make a move when Lewandowski’s transfer to Barcelona looks imminent. The Spanish club will be looking to formalise a third bid in the coming days. All parties will benefit from a quick conclusion. As things stand, the Polish striker does look close to getting his wish fulfilled.