Tinfoil Hat Theory: Could Bayern Munich sell Robert Lewandowski next summer to fund a bid a for Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland?

According to a report from French outlet L’Equipe (as captured by Twitter account @iMiaSanMia), Bayern Munich will not sell Robert Lewandowski thus summer despite the rampant rumors that the Polish striker wants a new challenge.

The twist on this latest story, however, is that the Bavarians would be willing to sell Lewandowski next summer and would expect a bid in the €50 million range as Lewandowski would only have one year left on his contract.

Per L’Equipe, the only club that could push Lewandowski to consider a change this summer is Real Madrid — who just happens to also be loosely linked to the Polish Hitman. Los Blancos are said to be more infatuated with Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe at the moment, but if that move fails, the gloves could come off for the La Liga giants to push for Lewandowski.

Tinfoil Hat Theory: Selling Lewandowski next summer will bring Haaland to Bayern Munich

With a rumored — and imminently affordable — €75 million release clause next summer, you might wonder why exactly this would be considered a “tin foil hat” theory, but with Real Madrid, Chelsea FC, Manchester United, FC Barcelona, Juventus, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Paris Saint-Germain among the clubs interested in Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland, Bayern Munich would have to buck up for Haaland’s salary.

In August of 2022, Lewandowski will be 34-years-old with one-year left on his deal. If he truly wants a new challenge — and is not fully invested in Bayern Munich’s plans — that would be the perfect time to mutually part ways and grab the next generation Lewandowski: Haaland.

The playing field to acquire Haaland is leveled for one summer — and one summer only — in 2022 because of that rumored release clause. Sure, Bayern Munich would likely have to push aside its salary budget, but if there is a player on Earth who warrants that type of treatment for the next 10 years aside of Mbappe, it would be the Norwegian phenom.

Connecting all of those dots...next summer could be the perfect time to exchange one striker for another.

A lot would have to happen for this to play out; namely Lewandowski would have to actually want to leave and Bayern Munich would need to convince Haaland to stay in Germany...but it is possible.