Credit: Manh Tung - Breaking Media
Credit: Manh Tung - Breaking Media

Rio Ferdinand raises Robert Lewandowski to Man United question as Barcelona exit confirmed

Harri Burton

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

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Rio Ferdinand has thrown Manchester United's hat in the ring for Robert Lewandowski's signature ahead of the summer transfer window.

The 37-year-old's contract at Barcelona is set to expire at the end of the 2025-26 campaign, bringing an end to his four years in La Liga, where he has notched 119 goals and 22 assists in 191 games.

He has been an incredible servant over the last four seasons, but having struggled with injuries throughout the campaign, starts have been hard to come by for the veteran striker this term.

Although Benjamin Sesko has settled into life at Old Trafford, Man United's transfer chiefs could still be searching for a new striker this summer, and Lewandowski will be available on a free transfer.

Robert Lewandowski set to bid farewell to Barcelona

Lewandowski will bid farewell at the Nou Camp on Sunday, 17 May, with Barca taking on Real Betis in their penultimate game of the season, and United's scouts might be licking their lips.

Reacting to the news of Lewandowski's departure, Ferdinand immediately raised a question over a potential move for the Poland international, with Champions League football awaiting.

On X (16 May), he wrote: "What a guy, what a player!! Experienced option next season in UCL and help with the development of [Benjamin] Sesko?"

The 37-year-old will be hoping to score his first goal in three games against Betis, and even if he isn't at his absolute best, Ferdinand certainly makes a good point about Sesko's development.

Man United could raid La Liga for Real Madrid star

It is not just Lewandowski that the Red Devils could target from La Liga this summer, and the hierarchy are already putting plans in place ahead of the summer.

It seems that supporters are just waiting for Michael Carrick's future at Old Trafford to be confirmed officially, and that will be a huge boost for the transfer window.

Football Insider understands that Man United could sign Fede Valverde following his bust-ups with Aurelien Tchouameni, with a new offer to be submitted for the Uruguayan.

Both players would bring huge characters to the current dressing room, and it remains to be seen what kind of targets Carrick would want once he's made permanent manager.

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