Man Utd can sign one of world's most prolific strikers – and it won't cost them a penny

Man Utd can sign one of world's most prolific strikers – and it won't cost them a pennyManchester United have a rare opportunity to bring one of Europe's greatest all-time strikers to Old Trafford for nothing this summerCommentsSportopinionTom Sunderland Sports writer04:45, 01 May 2026View 2 ImagesManchester United can potentially pull off a very special signing for peanuts this summer(Image: Getty Images) Manchester United traditionally know better than to overlook an opportunity in the transfer market when one presents itself. And this year's rebuild is no different as Michael Carrick has the chance to recruit one of the Europe's all-time great finishers. ‌ As if that wasn't enough appeal to pursue a deal, the icon in question would also be available on a free transfer. That's unless something huge happens at the Camp Nou between now and the end of the current campaign. ‌ Barcelona are currently on course to let Robert Lewandowski leave for nothing when his contract expires at the end of June. However, the Pole, who has 716 goals in 1,029 professional appearances, is still proving he's got what it takes to compete at the top, with 17 finishes and four assists in 41 games this term. ‌ Carrick found himself somewhat light up front when summer signing Benjamin Sesko was injured in late 2025. Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo fulfilled different duties as makeshift frontmen in that period but neither is perhaps the calibre United would like to rely on for that role. FOLLOW OUR MAN UTD FB PAGE! Latest United news and more on our dedicated Facebook page Lewandowski's expiring deal means United could sign a pre-contract agreement to recruit the player tomorrow if they wanted. The fact his Poland side aren't heading to World Cup 2026 is yet another boon and would allow for a full pre-season with Carrick, or whomever ends up taking the permanent reins at Old Trafford. ‌ READ MORE: Man Utd yet to discover final Benjamin Sesko transfer fee as extra payments set to kick inREAD MORE: Man Utd put four players up for sale ahead of huge summer transfer windowEven as he approaches his 38th birthday in August, Lewandowski has major appeal on a cut-price deal, even if only to steer the development of a young Sesko for a season or so. The former Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund talisman came close to joining United more than a decade ago and has revealed he gave the move the green light before being stopped. "To Manchester United I decided and said yes," he told BBC Sport last year. "I wanted to join Manchester United, to see Alex Ferguson. "They [Dortmund] could not sell me because they knew if I stayed they could earn more money, and that I could wait maybe one or two more years. But it is true that I said yes to Manchester United." ‌ View 2 ImagesAs Barcelona's highest earner, 37-year-old Robert Lewandowski looks bound for the Camp Nou exit this summer(Image: NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images) He continued: "But when I am looking back [having] played for Bayern Munich, Dortmund and now Barcelona I have to say I am very happy with my career. I don't have this kind of feeling that I missed something, because every move or decision... I made because I wanted it." There may be a few fingers crossed at Old Trafford that the veteran isn't done wanting to add to his catalogue of elite clubs. And the recent revival witnessed under Carrick could be enough to tempt him should United pick up the phone. ‌ Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV packageThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more£44SkyGet the deal hereProduct DescriptionSky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL. Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf. It's perhaps no surprise cash-strapped Barcelona are willing to offload Lewandowski given his age and exorbitant wages. Exact figures concerning the forward's salary vary given they've reportedly increased over time but Barca's highest earner is thought to rake in somewhere between £400,000 and £500,000 a week. Lewandowski would have to cut those expectations by at least half before a deal can even be discussed. But if he were willing to accept a sizeable pay cut, a transfer more than a decade in the making could still make a lot of sense for all parties. Article continues belowJoin our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.