Barcelona forward Robert Lewandowksi has revealed that he agreed a deal to move to Manchester United in 2012, but was not allowed to leave by Borussia Dortmund who blocked the transfer.
Former Man United manager Sir Alex Ferguson had opted to sign the Poland striker in 2012, and despite agreeing personal terms with the Red Devils, the deal failed to materialize.
The 36-year-old initially joined the Black and Yellow in 2010 from Lech Poznan, despite interest from Blackburn Rovers and Genoa.
Lewandowski, rose to prominence in the Bundesliga, enjoying a stellar spell with Dortmund before making the switch to rivals Bayern Munich on a free transfer in 2014.
“To Manchester United I decided and said yes”, the Barcelona forward said in an interview.
“I wanted to join Manchester United, to see Alex Ferguson. They [Dortmund] could not sell me because they knew if I stayed they could earn more money, and that I could wait maybe one or two more years. But it is true that I said yes to Manchester United.”
The Poland forward left Bayern Munich after a hugely successful stint in 2022 to join Spanish giants Barcelona.
“Maybe it could be a regret [not to play in the Premier League],” he added. “But when I am looking back [having] played for Bayern Munich, Dortmund and now Barcelona I have to say I am very happy with my career.
I don’t have this kind of feeling that I missed something, because every move or decision … I made because I wanted it,” he concluded.
Lewandowski missed Barcelona’s 5-0 win over Como in the Joan Gamper trophy on Sunday, but is set to be available for the club’s 2025-26 La Liga opener against Mallorca on Saturday.
Olakitan is a young writer with a strong passion for sports, having gained experience with IndyPress and Nimelssa Press. His enthusiasm for sports inspired him to cover events both within his school and beyond. With a deep understanding of the game and a refined skillset, he brings sports coverage to a broad, global audience in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
