"I said yes to joining Man Utd in 2012" - Lewandowski reveals shocking transfer scoop

Robert Lewandowski was the latest guest to appear in Rio Ferdinand's football podcast 'Rio Ferdinand Presents'. While talking to the former defender, the Poland international revealed a shocking transfer scoop, which in fact involved Ferdinand's ex-club, Manchester United.

"I said yes to joining Manchester United in 2012," said Lewandowski, who also admitted to having a conversation on the phone with Sir Alex Ferguson regarding the move. The news was met by disbelief from Ferdinand, who realised the two could've had the chance to play together for the same side.

When asked why the move never materialised, Lewandowski initially responded: "Ask the club [Man United], you know". But upon further reflection, the striker remembered the discussion he had with the president of Borussia Dortmund - his club at the time. "He said to me that they [Dortmund] need me and they are not going to sell me to Manchester United because I'm so important to them," he explained. 

The 36-year-old insisted that he was happy playing at Dortmund, but admitted that a move to Old Trafford, during the club's "prime", presented itself as a glorious opportunity for him. Ferdinand, unable to contain his disappointment for the failed transfer, added: "What a team we could've had, Jesus".

A year after his unsuccessful transfer to the Premier League, Lewandowski made a mind-blowing switch to Dortmund's Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich, spending 8 years with the Bavarians before arriving at Barcelona in 2022. At Catalunya, he is currently enjoying a great start to the 2024/25 campaign, leading La Liga's charts with 14 goals so far.

 

November 21, 2024