"We have agreed to release him to Barcelona" - Bayern Munich confirms Lewandowski exit

Bayern Munich have confirmed the exit of Robert Lewandowski after nearly 8 years at the Allianz Arena.

It's been gathered that the Poland international is expected to join Barcelona in coming days after the two clubs have agreed a transfer fee.

Barcelona will pay an initial fee of €45 million (£38m/$45m) for the services of Lewandowski with a further €5m (£4.3m/$5m) potentially due in add-ons if certain clauses are met.

Lewandowski who has a year left on his current Bayern Munich contract, is expected to sign an initial three-year contract with an option to extend it with Barcelona.

It's understood that the contract could remain at Camp Nou through until the end of the 2025-26 season.

Bayern Munich CEO Oliver Kahn said: "We have agreed to release Robert Lewandowski. We have a verbal agreement with FC Barcelona, the contract is still pending. We know very well what we have to thank Robert for, but great players have also left FC Bayern in the past, and even after that, Bayern’s world did not fall apart. On the contrary, it often continued with even more success. "

Xavi Hernandez have already signed Andreas Christensen from Chelsea, Frank Kessie from AC Milan on free transfers and Raphinha for £60m from Leeds United so far this transfer window.