Manchester United have a rare chance to bring one of Europe’s greatest strikers to Old Trafford for free this summer.
Manchester United could pull off a very special deal with Peanut this summer (Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United traditionally know that when an opportunity presents itself in the transfer market, it is better not to miss it. And this year’s rebuild is no exception, with Michael Carrick having the chance to land one of Europe’s best finishers in history.
As if that wasn’t enough appeal to push the deal forward, the icon in question will also be available on a free transfer. That is, unless something big happens at Camp Nou between now and the end of this season.
Barcelona are currently looking to release Robert Lewandowski for free when his contract expires at the end of June. But the Polish player, who has 716 goals in 1,029 professional appearances, continues to prove he has what it takes to compete at the top, with 17 goals and four assists in 41 games this season.
When summer signing Benjamin Sesco was injured in late 2025, Carrick found himself somewhat lightened up front. Matheus Cunha and Brian Mbeumo have served in various roles as stopgap frontmen during that period, but neither is perhaps of the caliber that United would want to rely on in that role.
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With Lewandowski’s contract set to expire, United could sign a pre-contract agreement for the player tomorrow if they wish. The fact that his Polish national team will not be taking part in the 2026 World Cup is an added bonus, allowing him to spend a full pre-season with Carrick or the player who will eventually take over the reins permanently at Old Trafford.
read more: Manchester United have yet to reveal Benjamin Sesco’s final transfer fee as additional payments beginread more: Manchester United put four players up for sale ahead of huge summer transfer window
Even with his 38th birthday coming up in August, Lewandowski is still very attracted to a reduced-price deal, even if it’s just to guide the young Sesco’s development for a season or so. The former Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund talisman came close to joining United more than a decade ago, but revealed he gave the green light for a move before being stopped.
“I decided to say yes to Manchester United,” he told BBC Sport last year. “I wanted to join Manchester United to see Alex Ferguson.
“They (Dortmund) couldn’t sell me because they knew I could earn more if I stayed and could probably wait another year or two. But it’s true that I said yes to Manchester United.”
As Barcelona’s highest earner, 37-year-old Robert Lewandowski is likely to leave the Camp Nou this summer (Image: NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images)
“But when I look back at the time I played for Bayern Munich, Dortmund and now Barcelona, I have to say that I am very happy with my career. I don’t feel like I missed out on anything, because every move and decision… I made because I wanted to.”
Some fingers may be crossed at Old Trafford as the veteran’s desire to add to the elite club’s catalog is not yet over. And the recent resurgence witnessed under Carrick could be enough to lure him if United come calling.
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Given his age and exorbitant wages, it’s perhaps no surprise that cash-strapped Barcelona are willing to let Lewandowski go. Exact figures on the forward’s salary vary, as it reportedly increases over time, but Barça’s highest salary figure is thought to be between £400,000 and £500,000 a week.
Lewandowski will need to lower his expectations by at least half before a contract is discussed. However, if he accepts a significant pay cut, a move that has been in the works for more than a decade could still make a lot of sense for all parties.
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