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In a recent interview with SPORT BILD, Robert Lewandowski expressed his confidence that he and Bayern Munich would reach an agreement to renew his contract beyond 2019. Lewandowski told SPORT BILD, “I’m certain we will find a solution.”
Lewandowski also shot down a question about comparisons to Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez by expressing his dedication to Bayern: "I play for FC Bayern, and for me the only thing that matters is what Bayern does," he said.
Lewandowski’s remarks mesh with the similar optimism shown recently by Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. Asked by Spiegel whether the additional money from the recent Champions League reform would facilitate contract negotiations with Lewandowski, Rummenigge answered directly in the affirmative. He is "optimistic that Robert will score goals for FC Bayern for a long time."
According to SPORT BILD, Bayern Munich's front office has made Lewandowski an offer on new terms extending until 2021. The new contract would make Lewandowski Bayern Munich's highest paid player, even ahead of Thomas Müller.
Bayern Munich declined to comment officially on the current status of the contract negotiations, but an agreement now seems to be in sight. Rummenigge and Bayern CFO Jan-Christian Dreesen have reportedly met with Lewandowski's agents Cezary Kucharski and Maik Barthel almost on a monthly basis for several months.
Kucharski had openly admitted to discussions with Real Madrid: "We gave everything a fair hearing." But now that Real Madrid’s transfer ban has been upheld (Real and Atletico Madrid both recently lost their appeal against the transfer ban FIFA imposed on them for shady dealings with underaged foreign players) - it would seem that the speculation of a move to Madrid has been put to rest.
Lewandowski meanwhile should be under illusions as to his importance to Carlo Ancelotti’s plans. Ancelotti reportedly called Lewandowski while he was still on vacation to tell him the he was “absolutely his dream striker.” With nine goals in seven games across competitions, who can argue with that?
Ancelotti reiterated in an interview with L’Equipe that he “would not trade Lewandowski for anyone." Ancelotti said, "I think he will sign a new contract with Bayern." As for speculation that Paris Saint-Germain might court the striker to replace Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Ancelotti said, "Lewandowski tranferring to PSG is impossible. Well, maybe in five or ten years."