Profile: Bayern Munich and Poland striker Robert Lewandowski

Where did it all start for Lewandowski?

Born in Warsaw, Lewandowski caught the eye of Polish football scouts from an early age when he was signed up by Delta Warsaw after impressing for local club Varsovia for seven years. He managed to break into the first-team at Delta, before he was snapped up by Polish third tier side Znicz Pruszkow. Lewandowski was prolific for his new side, managing to score 15 goals and become the division’s top scorer at a young age, helping Znicz to promotion.

What happened next?

Lewandowski then became the top scorer in the Polish second division with Znicz, scoring 21 goals. This incredible form from the young man led to Lech Poznan signing him for £1.5m. Robert came off the bench to make his first team debut for Poznan in 2008 in a first round UEFA Cup qualifier, in which he scored the only goal of the game. Continuing with his impressive scoring habit, in his first full season in the Polish top division, Lewandowski finished as the league’s second highest scorer. The year after, he was top of the charts again with 18 goals, as his side won the championship.

Were Dortmund the biggest factor in his career?

Lewandowski moved into a Dortmund side that was under construction, with a lot of talented young players coming through, such as Mario Gotze and Marco Reus. This meant there was less pressure on him to perform, and with a smaller price tag of £3million, he was able to enjoy his football. In his first full season, he scored 22 goals and helped Dortmund to their first league and cup double. In the following two seasons, his progression was noticeable even more at Westfalenstadion, as he helped his side reach the Champions League final, only to lose 2-1 to Bayern Munich. Dortmund were a massive influence on Lewandowski’s progression, which is why some fans were angered when he agreed to join rivals Bayern in January 2014.

Is his recent form a surprise?

Since joining Bayern, Lewandowski has recorded 29 goals in just 38 games. Currently in his most impressive streak of form, the Polish star came off the bench and scored five goals in nine minutes against a strong Wolfsburg side in September, ending their 14 match unbeaten run. Having been a consistent goalscorer at all levels of the game he has played, the 27-year-old is hitting the peak of his career. With crucial goals also scored for the national team, he has almost single-handedly pushed his country over the qualification line for Euro 2016.

 Where will he end up?

Lewandowski’s form makes it no surprise that new Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp, Lewandowski’s former manager at Dortmund, has expressed strong interest in bringing him to the Premier League. Reaching peak age, there will be a lot of clubs in for the front man this summer. His ability makes it possible for him to fit into almost any team, and so Europe’s top clubs will be keep a watchful eye on the striker’s situation. However, he is at one of the best clubs in Europe at Bayern, and with his contract running out in 2019, it would take a sizeable fee to force through the transfer.