Milan's Bold Pursuit: Lewandowski Could Redefine the Rossoneri’s Attack

Transfer Target on the Radar: Milan Eyes Lewandowski

AC Milan, one of Europe’s oldest clubs, has begun a serious push to explore the possibility of signing Robert Lewandowski, Barcelona’s veteran forward, who is nearing the end of his contract with the Catalan club at the close of the current 2024-2025 season.

According to the Spanish outlet Sport, Milan’s sporting director Igli Tari held talks in recent days with Pini Zahavi, Lewandowski’s agent, to discuss the 37-year-old’s future and to consider how he could reinforce the Rossoneri’s attack.

Early Milan interest

The move comes as Milan tries to plug the goal-scoring gap that opened after Zlatan Ibrahimović’s retirement in 2023 and the departure of Olivier Giroud, who provided a meaningful contribution during his spell with the club.

Sport notes that Milan is moving early to secure an edge in the race for Lewandowski, who remains highly valued on technical grounds despite his age.

The Polish striker, who has scored prolifically for clubs like Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, and Barcelona, is seen as an ideal addition for Milan, especially given the need for a striker who combines experience with proven finishing.

Lewandowski's stance

Lewandowski is tied to a Barcelona contract through June 2025, with an option for another year based on performance. Reports suggest he believes he can compete at Europe’s top level for at least one more season, but he remains open to all options.

He enjoys life in Barcelona, where he has settled with his family, and Barcelona’s leadership view him as a cornerstone of their sporting project under coach Xavi. Yet the player does not appear in a rush to decide his next move.

Last summer, he rejected lucrative offers from Saudi clubs worth up to three times his current salary, preferring to stay in the European fold and continue fighting for major trophies.

With his contract nearing its end, Lewandowski is reportedly willing to make financial concessions if Barcelona agrees to keep him, underscoring his emotional connection to the club.

Milans attacking challenges

The Milan interest reflects the club’s urgent need to bolster the attack after Ibrahimović’s retirement and Giroud’s exit. The Rossoneri have pursued several forwards in recent seasons, but results have not matched expectations.

For instance, Serbian forward Luka Jović joined from Fiorentina but failed to deliver consistent form. Spanish veteran Álvaro Morata never fully regained his sharpness, and English forward Tammy Abraham, on loan from Roma, struggled with injuries and adaptation. Mexican forward Santiago Giménez faced challenges adjusting to Serie A’s tempo as well.

These signings, though costly, failed to stabilize Milan’s attack, leaving the club short of a striker capable of reaching 20 goals per season and affecting aspirations in both the league and Europe.

Lewandowski: the perfect solution?

Against this backdrop, Lewandowski stands out as an ideal option, combining seasoned leadership with elite finishing. The Polish forward has recovered his form and has been scoring consistently, reinforcing his ability to provide the decisive edge Milan seeks.

His experience in major matches and ability to handle pressure make him a strong candidate to fill the leadership void left by Ibrahimović. It is anticipated that Barcelona coach Xavi will rely more on rotation to preserve Lewandowski’s physical condition, while keeping him as a central figure in the team’s plans.

Meanwhile, Lewandowski has indicated willingness to rejoin the Polish national team if any disputes with the former coach are resolved, underscoring his readiness to balance club duties with international commitments.

Future scenarios

As his contract approaches its end, European and even non-European clubs have expressed interest in Lewandowski. Despite Saudi offers, the forward appears inclined to stay in Europe to keep competing at the highest level, with Milan presenting a tempting option should Barcelona opt not to extend.

Still, Lewandowski’s preference remains to remain at Barcelona if they can reach a contract extension, reflecting his emotional attachment to the club and city.

Ultimately, Milan’s pursuit signals a strategy to address both immediate and long-term attacking concerns. If the Rossoneri manage to sign the Pole, they could reclaim some of their goal-scoring prowess and strengthen their standing in Serie A and European competition.

With only a few months left in the season, all attention will be on Lewandowski’s decision, which will hinge on his sporting ambitions and family comfort in the next chapter of his career.

Two punchlines to end on a lighter note: If Milan signs Lewandowski, the goals might start arriving faster than a tempo di Milan’s traffic; and if not, at least the club can say they gave a masterclass in patience—the art of waiting for the right century-old striker to finally drop in for a visit.