Borussia Dortmund put together a tremendous 2012-2013 soccer season, advancing to the UEFA Champions League final where they lost a tough match to German rival Bayern Munich 2-1. Winning consecutive league titles as well the past few seasons, Dortmund's offense was spearheaded by the explosive and always-dangerous Robert Lewandowski.
In 45 games last season with the German club, the 24-year-old striker recorded 35 goals and 10 assists, solidifying himself as one of the best offensive talents in the sport. Despite continued success with Dortmund the past few seasons, Lewandowski seems eager to join the current Champions League titleholders, but the task of playing for a team he's referred to in the past as his 'dream club' may not be so simple.
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According to ESPN, Borussia Dortmund has informed Lewandowski that he will need to play out his current club contract and that a transfer to Bayern will not be completed. Under contract until the summer of 2014, it truly does not appear the UEFA runner-up is eager to part ways with the man who helped guide them to Wembley Stadium.
"We have communicated to the player and his advisers that we will not agree to a transfer to FC Bayern this summer," Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc told Kicker. "There will be with him now perhaps a small phase of disappointment. But then he will deliver his usual performance, as does a professional with character, and Robert has a whole lot of character."
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Lewandowski will more than likely wait until the end of next season to depart Dortmund on a free transfer where he'll be expected to finally latch on with Bayern Munich. In 3 seasons with the German club, Lewandowski has built himself a nice resume. Appearing in 108 matches, the superstar has recorded 74 goals and 22 assists while brining Borussia Dortmund near the top of the soccer world.
Noting that it's completely acceptable for a player of Lewandowski's stature to explore a possible change, Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke understands the player's desire for a new challenge but much like Michael Zorc, does not see a move coming in the immediate future especially since no official offer has come from Bayern.
"Robert Lewandowski will definitely not transfer to Bayern Munich in 2013," Watzke said to Bild newspaper. The Bayern case is closed because there was no written offer. It is absolutely legitimate for a player to express such a wish but we told Bayern that due to stock exchange rules (since Dortmund is listed as a stock company), we need a written offer for Lewandowski. But until today, no offer has come in. If Robert wants to go to Munich he will have another chance next year. Our wish is for Robert to play for Borussia Dortmund next season."
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It appears as though Watzke, Michael Zorc and the entire Dortmund organization will have their wish of retaining Robert Lewandowski for the remainder of his contract. While Borussia Dortmund will undoubtedly be in championship conversations heading into next season, most fans know the 2013-2014 campaign may be the last time they'll see Robert Lewandowski wearing the Dortmund colors.
For now, Lewandowski will focus his attention to the Polish national team as they continue their qualification matches for the 2014 World Cup.
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