FEATURE | Who will replace Robert Lewandowski’s goals at Bayern Munich? | OneFootball

Robert Lewandowski has now been officially unveiled by Barcelona at the Camp Nou in front of 57,000 fans and as his move from Bavaria to Catalunya is officially confirmed, a major question must now be asked: How will Bayern Munich replace the goals of the best strikers in world football?

Sadio Mané

One could say that Bayern Munich have already brought in Lewandowski’s replacement, swiftly signing Sadio Mané from Liverpool. Although he is not an out and out striker as Lewandowski is, he will guarantee goals.

That was clear on Friday night as Mané scored 30 minutes into his Bundesliga debut as his new side beat Europa League winners Eintracht Frankfurt 6-1 away from home in the opening match of the season.

Mané said he wanted a new challenge after winning every major tournament available to him at Liverpool and helping to replace the goals of Lewandowski is one that he will certainly be up for.

Serge Gnabry

The 27-year-old started the game against Frankfurt up top alongside Mané in what could be the start of a fruitful partnership. Gnabry signed a new contract until 2026 to put an end to any transfer speculation about a return to the Premier League.

The former Arsenal player has shown himself to be a reliable and extremely versatile player in any attacking position, as shown with his performances against RB Leipzig and Eintracht Frankfurt – Gnabry could certainly be one player to benefit from Julian Nagelsmann’s new 4-2-2-2 formation.

Thomas Müller

Club legend Thomas Müller has consistently scored and provided goals throughout his career and will be relied upon heavily this season. Müller is just one of several players in the squad that can play in numerous positions and can rotate during the match.

Müller will provide the team with composure and a vast amount of experience that will be well received by the club’s younger players and new signings. He will drive the squad onwards as they hope to win their 11th consecutive Bundesliga title and progress in the Champions League.

Jamal Musiala

Man of the match during the 6-1 win against Eintracht Frankfurt with two goals to his name, Jamal Musiala has a massive season coming up for him.

The winger freely roamed and switched places with both Mané and Gnabry and showed why he is easily one of the best young players in the world. Musiala has tons of potential and it is clear to see that he is the future of Bayern Munich and perhaps the German national team as well. It may be too soon for him to fully replace Lewandowski as Nagelsmann will have to manage his game time to prevent any injuries at such a young age.

Harry Kane or Christopher Nkunku

Bayern Munich may also be tempted to dip into the transfer market for a more orthodox striker in the summer of 2023. Harry Kane and Christopher Nkunku are names that have been mentioned during the current window.

There is bad blood between Bayern and Tottenham Hotspur after FCB CEO Oliver Kahn, speaking publicly, said “It would be a dream” to sign Kane. Julian Nagelsmann has also spoken about Kane saying that he is “very expensive but a brilliant player.” These comments have enraged Spurs head coach Antonio Conte so any potential move next summer may prove to be extremely difficult.

An easier option and perhaps more value for money would be RB Leipzig’s Christopher Nkunku. The Frenchman extended his contract in June which now contains a €60 million release clause which becomes active next summer.

Nkunku has proven himself in the Bundesliga and is four years younger than Kane. Any transfer will be significantly cheaper compared to Kane who would command a fee well over €100 million.

Lewandowski will be hugely missed at Bayern but if their performance at Frankfurt is anything to go by, the German champions will be more than capable of replacing his goals.