Rio Ferdinand has called on Manchester United to sign Robert Lewandowski this summer, moments after it was announced the striker will leave Barcelona. Lewandowski, 37, has been at Barca since 2022, when he completed the £43million switch from Bayern Munich.
Throughout his spell in Catalonia, the Poland international has netted an impressive 119 goals in 191 outings, claiming the La Liga crown three times and lifting the Copa del Rey once. But Lewandowski’s stint at Barca is drawing to a close, following the club’s confirmation in a statement on Saturday afternoon that he will exit when his contract expires in June.
“Robert Lewandowski will bring his time as an FC Barcelona player to an end at the close of the season,” the club said. “The Polish striker is departing after four seasons in the blaugrana jersey, having made his mark with goals, leadership and an exemplary competitive mentality.
“Since arriving from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2022, Lewandowski took on the responsibility of leading the attack and quickly became the team’s main reference point up front. In total, he is leaving the club with 119 goals in 191 appearances, making him the team’s 14th-highest goalscorer of all time.”
Shortly after Barcelona issued that statement, former United defender Ferdinand urged his old club to bring Lewandowski to Old Trafford as cover for Benjamin Sesko. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Ferdinand said of Lewandowski: “What a guy, what a player!! Experienced option next season in UCL and help with development of Sesko? [eyes emoji].”
Lewandowski published a statement of his own on social media, confirming his exit and delivering an emotional message to the Barcelona faithful. After four years full of challenges and hard work, it’s time to move on. I leave with the feeling that the mission is complete. Four seasons, three championships,” he said.
“I will never forget the love I received from the fans from my very first days. Catalonia is my place on earth. Thank you to everyone I met along the way during these beautiful four years. A special thank you to President Laporta for giving me the chance to live the most incredible chapter of my career. Barça is back where it belongs. Visca el Barca. Visca Catalunya [blue love heart emoji, red love heart emoji] @fcbarcelona.”
View 2 ImagesRobert Lewandowski will leave Barcelona this summer(Image: Javier Borrego/Europa Press via Getty Images)
Lewandowski is anticipated to attract significant interest this summer, owing to both his historical pedigree and current form, with the former Borussia Dortmund striker having netted 18 goals in 2025/26.
Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal are reportedly leading the chase for Lewandowski, according to WP Sportowe Fakty, with the Riyadh-based club hell-bent on securing his services this summer. It is further claimed that Al-Hilal, under the stewardship of former Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi, are ‘close’ to wrapping up a deal.
AC Milan, Juventus and Chicago Fire are amongst the other clubs to have been linked with a move, while United could now enter the fray for Lewandowski following Ferdinand’s appeal.
United may look to bring in a new centre-forward during the summer transfer window as they seek to provide genuine competition for Sesko, who has endured a mixed debut campaign since arriving from RB Leipzig. The Slovenian has netted 12 goals in 32 appearances for the Reds.
Article continues below
Join our new WhatsApp community! Click this link to receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV packageThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
£44SkyGet the deal here
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.