Liverpool legend Dietmar Hamann has urged his former club, as well as Premier League rivals Manchester United and Arsenal, to make a bid for Bayern Munich forward Robert Lewandowski.

The Poland international is reportedly unsettled in Bavaria, and following a series of disappointing performances, transfer rumours are swirling. Per Metro‘s Hannah Duncan, Hamann told Sky Sports Premier League clubs should capitalise:

At the moment United, Liverpool and even Arsenal… Lewandowski is tailor-made for them. He came to Bayern Munich on a free last year but if there was an opportunity to get him out I’d break the bank for him because I think he’s the best No. 9 in the world.

It’ a big question mark. There’s a question mark about the manager. There are still no assurances that he will be there, even though he’s got a contract.

I think the same goes for Lewandowski because the way the team plays under Guardiola, I don’t think it suits him. He was tailor-made for Dortmund and I think he’s tailor-made for two or three English teams where he can play on the counter attack on big pitches where he can run in behind.

Lewandowski was Bayern‘s marquee arrival of the summer, replacing Mario Mandzukic in the squad as the Croatia international departed for Atletico Madrid.

The 26-year-old had a bright start in Munich but started falling down the pecking order as time went along, as it seemed manager Pep Guardiola appeared to prefer other players for his intricate system.

As shared by The New York Times‘ Stefan Bienkowski, it’s becoming more and more clear that Guardiola no longer has full confidence in the Pole:

Lewandowski was a smash hit in Borussia Dortmund‘s system based around pace, high press and the counter-attack, where he excelled at finding the open spaces and positioning himself in front of goal.

Bayern‘s philosophy is built around passing and ball retention, however, taking away some of Lewandowski‘s biggest strengths: his speed, vision and timing.

Hamann‘s comments will undoubtedly unleash a storm of transfer articles and rumours, but it’s far too early to start speculating about Lewandowski‘s future. The Pole is struggling in his first year under Guardiola—that doesn’t mean the Spaniard is about to give up on him, or has any interest in selling.

Liverpool have been linked with another forward in recent weeks, as Inter Milan‘s Mauro Icardi has been the subject of transfer rumours following reports his contract extension talks aren’t going swimmingly.

Speaking to Calcio Mercato (h/t Liverpool Echo‘s Peter Guy), the Argentinian declared himself flattered by the Reds’ reported interest, although he currently has no intention of leaving the Nerazzurri. He said: “If the rumours about Liverpool are real, I would be honoured, because they are a big club, but I’m already in a great team where I can win something important.”

The rumours surrounding Icardi have gathered pace at an exceptional rate in the past week, and it’s difficult to see why. The 21-year-old has given no indication he plans on leaving, and Inter remain determined to keep him at the club.

It’s easy to see why they want to keep him—Icardi is having quite the season in Serie A, via Squawka football:

The forward is a fantastic player plying his trade for a young, talented side that has underperformed the past two years but looks to be headed for a bright future.

Inter would have no intention of selling their star striker unless he specifically asked for a transfer. As long as that doesn’t happen, it’s hard to see where these rumours keep coming from. Expect him to sign a new deal shortly, not demand a move to the Premier League.

 

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