Bundesliga: What will happen to Mandzukic with Lewandowski joining Bayern?

On Jan 4th, an impending transfer from Dortmund to Bayern was confirmed, that of Robert Lewandowski. Bayern signed a 5 year €55 million contract with Lewandowski till 2019, starting this June when his contract with Dortmund expires. However, this has set off speculation about the fate of Mario Mandzukic, Bayern’s top scorer with 10 Bundesliga goals. Mandzukic’s agent stated clearly that the player doesn’t fear arrival of any player into the team. It was widely discussed that Juventus was interested in the Croat.

Bayern Chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said that “we have absolutely no intention “of selling Mandzukic. He commended Mandzukic’s impeccable performance in the past 2 years at Bayern. In fact, Rummenigge suggested Bayern might go for an extension of contract, which expires in 2016. This allows Bayern to play Mandzukic for 3 more years. But the question remains – who will rule the roost? Mandzukic has played central striker position in all his matches in Bundesliga, the same position where Lewandowski plays and scored successfully at Dortmund in the last 3 seasons. Bayern arguably has the most crowded midfield in the world – Ribery, Mueller, Robben, Goetze and Kroos. Bayern already has too much on their platter to accommodate another top player in their ranks.

Mandzukic has been in top form for Bayern, netting 34 goals, second only to Mueller. He has scored during crucial times when the team needed him the most, including the opener against Dortmund in German Supercup. Lewandowski, on the other hand has been no less impressive, despite Dortmund struggling this season. He has scored 81 goals in 146 matches with Dortmund, including 15 this season, playing a key part in Dortmund’s Bundesliga titles in 2010-11 and 2011-12. He is the 2nd Dortmund acquisition for Bayern after Mario Goetze last April. Both Lewandowski and Mandzukic sit at the top of the scoring table at 1st and 2nd position respectively.

Despite a possible clash, coach Guardiola continues to remain confident of accommodating all the players in their positions. As most experts say, Bayern must sell Mandzukic to Arsenal or Juventus, who are looking to strengthen their offense. But, Mandzukic won’t come cheap considering his current form and being on contract till 2016. But, what really matters is what is Guardiola planning? Lewandowski is a superior player on offensive, not so on defensive where Mandzukic rules. Either ways, it is a tough call for Guardiola. But, on the brighter side, Bayern will have one of the deadliest squads in the football world.