• Football
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • Home
  • Football
    • England
    • Transfer News
    • Premier League
    • Champions League
    • Lionel Messi
    • Cristiano Ronaldo
    • EA FC 25
    • Wrexham
  • Boxing
    • Tyson Fury
    • Anthony Joshua
    • Oleksandr Usyk
    • Mike Tyson
    • Jake Paul
    • Logan Paul
  • UFC
    • Dana White
    • Conor McGregor
    • Khabib Nurmagomedov
    • Jon Jones
    • Paddy Pimblett
    • Joe Rogan
  • Other Sport
    • Athletics
    • Formula 1
    • MMA
    • Motorsport
    • NBA
    • Darts
    • NFL
    • Snooker
    • Wrestling
    • Tennis
    • Cricket
    • Golf
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • UNILAD
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
Snapchat
TikTok
YouTube
Bayern Munich 'Fear' Robert Lewandowski Could Leave For £20.5 Million Using Incredibly Rare Rule

Home> Football

Updated 17:05 3 Jun 2022 GMT+1Published 17:03 3 Jun 2022 GMT+1

Bayern Munich 'Fear' Robert Lewandowski Could Leave For £20.5 Million Using Incredibly Rare Rule

Lewandowski has already said he wants to leave Bayern Munich this summer, with Barcelona favourites to sign him, and he could leave cheaply.

Ryan Sidle

Ryan Sidle

Bayern Munich are reportedly worried that Robert Lewandowski could leave them for a cut price deal, thanks to the rarely used 'Webster Rule.'

Lewandowski has been linked with a move away from Bayern for the last few months, despite having one year left on his current contract and the team having little desire to let him go.

Earlier this week, whilst on international duty, the Poland striker confirmed that he wanted his time at the Bundesliga champions to be over.

Advert

Barcelona are expected to be his destination, if Bayern agree to let him leave the Allianz Arena, with the German club reportedly wanting around €32 million for the striker.

However, according to Bild, the 33-year-old could actually leave for much less, due to a loophole in article 17 of FIFA's Regulations, which allows players over 28 to buy themselves out of their contract.

The rule gives those over that age the chance to leave, two years after they've signed their contract, as long as the club is compensated, which would be the estimated €24 million left on his deal.

Lewandowski wants to say goodbye to Bayern. Image: PA Images
Lewandowski wants to say goodbye to Bayern. Image: PA Images

Advert

The rule is known as the 'Webster Rule' thanks to former Scotland centre back Andy Webster's move from Hearts to Wigan Athletic in 2006.

Webster used the rule to his advantage to buy himself of his deal and move to a foreign country, by giving his team notice and paying the remainder of his deal.

It isn't something that many players have actually used in the 16 years since but it is certainly something that Lewandowski could implement.

Doing so would likely see Barcelona paying him the fee in a signing on bonus with the club, perhaps with more on top, but would still see them save money compared to a traditional sale.

Advert

Webster moved to Wigan thanks to the 'loophole.' Image: PA Images
Webster moved to Wigan thanks to the 'loophole.' Image: PA Images

Speaking to Bild about his clients desire to leave the German champions, agent Pini Zahavi said, "For Robert Lewandowski, FC Bayern is history. Robert wants to leave FC Bayern after eight years in which he gave the club everything.

"Now, at almost 34, he has the opportunity to fulfill a lifetime dream and join the club he always dreamed of.

"Why is FC Bayern denying him this opportunity? For Robert, the matter is very clear: he wants to leave FC Bayern this summer. Nobody cares about money here, neither Robert nor me."

Featured Image Credit: Alamy

Topics: Bayern Munich, Transfers, Robert Lewandowski, Bundesliga, La Liga, Barcelona

Ryan Sidle
Ryan Sidle

Ryan is a journalist for SPORTbible with over eight years of experience. Passionate about all sports, he mainly covers football and F1 - Daniel Ricciardo once spent an entire interview referring to him as 'Ryan Gosling,' still his proudest moment.

X

@Sidler28

Advert

Advert

Advert

Choose your content:

an hour ago
3 hours ago
4 hours ago
5 hours ago
  • an hour ago

    Ex-Chelsea wonderkid tipped to be 'football's next big thing' announces shock retirement from football

    The player made seven appearances for Chelsea and was once compared to Eden Hazard.

    Football
  • 3 hours ago

    Alexander Isak 'cut price tag' revealed as Liverpool deal with Newcastle 'in play'

    The Newcastle United forward has attracted interest from several top clubs this summer.

    Football
  • 4 hours ago

    Xabi Alonso has found the new Luka Modric for Real Madrid and it could be the signing of the summer

    The Real Madrid boss could be set to replace the veteran midfielder, who will leave the club later this summer.

    Football
  • 5 hours ago

    Odds slashed on Lionel Messi's next club as clear favourite emerges after huge news drops on Inter Miami star's future

    Lionel Messi has been linked with a move away from Inter Miami.

    Football
  • Bayern Munich source confirmed dressing room's true feelings about Harry Kane compared to Robert Lewandowski
  • Bayern Munich star didn't hesitate when asked who's 'easier' to play with between Harry Kane and Robert Lewandowski
  • Why Robert Lewandowski follows a 'backwards eating diet' that sees him eat dessert first
  • What Spanish ref said to Hansi Flick after shock VAR 'mistake' cost Robert Lewandowski and Barcelona