Robert Lewandowski could leave Bayern for just £20m using super rare 'Webster rule'

Bayern Munich star Robert Lewandowski could use a rare contract loophole known as the 'Webster rule' to quit Germany this summer and seal a dream switch to Barcelona

Wantaway Bayern Munich star Robert Lewandowski could quit the Germany giants for just £20million this summer due to the ultra-rare 'Webster rule'.

The Polish hitman has just one year remaining on his current deal in Munich and is desperate to quit the Allianz Arena this summer to seal a dream switch to Barcelona. However, Bayern have no intention of losing their star striker a year early and are determined to stand their ground and keep their man.

But unfortunately for the Bayern hierarchy, a new report from BILD has revealed how Lewandowski could get his wish and escape from Bavaria a year ahead of schedule due to a rare contract loophole which is known as the Webster rule.

The German publication has outlined how the 33-year-old could actually leave for a fraction of the €32million (£27.5m) sum that Bayern are reportedly demanding, due to a loophole in article 17 of FIFA's Regulations. The ruling allows players over 28 to buy themselves out of their contract; a clause that could give Lewandowski the platform to make his dream switch to the Nou Camp a reality.

The rule states that players over that age can exercise the option two years after they've signed their contract, as long as the club is compensated - which in this instance, would reportedly be around €24m (£20m) due to the terms of Lewandowski's current deal.

Former Scotland centre-back Andy Webster made the ruling famous after he gave notice and bought himself out of his deal at Hearts to move to Wigan back in 2006, but very few players have used the rule since.

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Lewandowski has already expressed his desire to leave Munich this summer, and the superstar's agent, Pini Zahavi, has slammed Bayern for standing in the way of his client's dream move.

Zahini also told BILD: "For Robert Lewandowski, FC Bayern is history. Robert wants to leave FC Bayern after eight years in which he gave the club everything. Now, at almost 34, he has the opportunity to fulfill a lifetime dream and join the club he always dreamed of.

"Why is FC Bayern denying him this opportunity? For Robert, the matter is very clear: he wants to leave FC Bayern this summer. Nobody cares about money here, neither Robert nor me."