Bayern Munich striker may activate Article 17 in FIFA’s rulebook to sign for Barcelona

Robert Lewandowski’s future at Bayern Munich has been dominating the headlines for a while now, with the striker making it clear that he does not wish to continue at the Allianz Arena after this season.

The 33-year-old is entering the final year of his contract and has decided not to renew, as he seeks to join Barcelona in the summer. Bayern Munich, for their part, have been very reluctant to lose their prized asset despite staring at the possibility of losing him for nothing in 2023.

But, as reported by BILD (h/t SPORT), the Bundesliga champions could now be set to change their stance as Lewandowski is considering the possibility of activating Article 17 in FIFA’s rulebook to secure an exit in the summer.

Article 17, more commonly known as Webster’s ruling, stipulates that ‘any player who signed a contract with a club before the age of 28 can buy himself out of the contract three years after signing the deal. If he is 28 or older the time limit is shortened to two years.’

In such a case, Lewandowski can buy himself out of his contract with Bayern Munich for a sum of €24 million. And the centre-forward’s agent, Pini Zahavi, is well aware of this rule and could decide to activate it in case Bayern do not agree to sell the Poland international.

The report states that Bayern are now reconsidering their stance on the matter and have decided to demand €40 million to let Lewandowski depart in the summer transfer window.

Given their previous stance on Lewandowski’s future, Bayern slapping a price tag on him is a positive development as far as Barcelona’s chances of signing him are concerned.

The Catalans have made the 33-year-old their top priority for the summer window and will now look to push ahead with the transfer as Bayern are now willing to discuss a sale.