Who Can Fill Robert Lewandowski’s Shoes? Analysing Bayern Munich’s Next Striker Options
By Charlie Ellis and Rhys Desmond
The Challenge of Replacing Lewandowski at Bayern Munich
The departure of Robert Lewandowski from Bayern Munich has left a void that the club has struggled to fill. Throughout his time at Bayern, Lewandowski was not only a prolific goal scorer but also a complete forward who could single-handedly alter the course of matches. Despite signing Sadio Mané after Lewandowski’s exit, Bayern have lacked the traditional, dominant centre-forward presence that once helped them dominate in the Bundesliga.
As rivals Borussia Dortmund and Union Berlin challenge for the top spot, Bayern’s lack of a clinical target man has become increasingly evident. While Mané is an elite finisher and possesses immense versatility, he hasn’t been the natural number nine who commands the area as Lewandowski did.
Bayern Munich’s Preferred Attacking Philosophy
To understand who could realistically succeed Lewandowski, it’s crucial to assess Bayern’s style of play. Under Julian Nagelsmann, and likely his successor Thomas Tuchel, the club’s approach revolves around “press and possess”—high pressing, quick ball circulation, and positional fluidity. Lewandowski thrived not just by finishing chances, but by being a focal point for play, drawing defenders and opening space for dynamic runners around him such as Thomas Müller, Jamal Musiala, and Mané.
While Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting has deputized admirably, his age and limited contributions suggest Bayern need a long-term solution. Nagelsmann occasionally deployed dual forwards, leaning on Müller and others, but the absence of a pure centre-forward has limited Bayern’s attacking threat. As the team looks ahead, securing a striker who matches Lewandowski’s physicality, movement, and finishing must be a priority.
Potential Successors: Top Striker Targets for Bayern Munich
The transfer market offers a range of options to fill the Lewandowski-shaped gap at Bayern Munich. Here’s an in-depth look at some of the standout names reportedly on their radar:
Aleksandar Mitrović: Dominance in the Air and Relentless Presence
Aleksandar Mitrović has been the heartbeat of Fulham, elevating his play to new levels in the Premier League. At 28, the Serbian striker possesses a rare blend of power, aggression, and goal-scoring versatility. Mitrović’s aerial prowess is particularly notable—averaging 4.6 aerial duels won per 90 minutes, and scoring four headed goals in the current season. Only a handful of forwards, like Harry Kane and Erling Haaland, have bettered his numbers in this area.
Mitrović is not a one-dimensional target man. His heatmap reveals active participation all over the pitch, offering creative link-up play and relentless pressing from the front. His 11 goals in 21 appearances account for nearly a third of Fulham’s scoring output, underscoring his talismanic quality. Crucially, his ability to pin back defenders and create space for supporting attackers aligns well with Bayern’s attacking patterns.
His physicality often bullies defenders in duels, and he’s consistently one of the Premier League’s most effective forwards in defensive battles. Mitrović’s tenacity and willingness to lead from the front make him a seamless tactical fit for a pressing, possession-oriented side.
Álvaro Morata: The Skilled Finisher with Adaptability
Álvaro Morata has traveled across Europe, featuring for major clubs such as Real Madrid, Juventus, Chelsea, and Atlético Madrid. While often criticized for inconsistency, his scoring rate remains solid. This season, he boasts his finest minutes-per-goal ratio since 2017, with 10 goals in 26 La Liga appearances.
Morata’s greatest asset is his adaptability. Spain’s national team plays a patient, tiki-taka style; Atlético Madrid prefer direct, counter-attacking transitions. Morata has thrived in both, highlighting his tactical intelligence and skill set. At 30, he could bring much-needed experience and a poacher’s instinct to Bayern, possibly at a lower price point.
Technically adept, Morata is not just a goal-hanger but also an asset in the air, winning over 60% of his aerial duels—a better success rate than Mitrović. Defensively, he contributes with effective pressing, an attribute valued by Diego Simeone at Atlético. While not as clinical as some, his versatility and work rate offer Bayern an interesting, cost-efficient alternative who could complement the club’s creative midfielders.
Victor Osimhen: Elite Athleticism and Sky-High Potential
Victor Osimhen stands out as one of the hottest prospects in world football. Leading Serie A’s scoring charts, he has propelled Napoli to the league’s summit with 21 goals in 23 matches. Only Erling Haaland surpasses Osimhen’s scoring frequency and expected goals tally in Europe’s top leagues this season.
While stylistically different from Lewandowski, Osimhen’s strength lies in his “channel running” ability—occupying defenders, attacking half-spaces, and using his speed alongside physical dominance. He averages over 6 touches in the opposition area per 90, putting him among the most dangerous penalty box forwards on the continent.
On the defensive side, Osimhen is aggressive but Napoli’s tactical approach often sees him pressing less in a mid-block setup. Nevertheless, his physicality lets him compete effectively when needed. The major drawback is his price tag—Napoli’s record investment and a current market value that could outstrip Bayern’s usual transfer norm.
Yet, at only 24, Osimhen offers upside and longevity. He’s moldable, able to adapt to tactical requirements, and has the profile to become a world-class leader at Bayern for years to come.
Lautaro Martínez: The Creative Link-Up Specialist
Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martínez brings something different. Though not a traditional target man, he combines creativity and movement with a keen eye for goal. Typically deployed in a two-striker partnership, Martínez often drifts from the defensive line to initiate attacking moves, serving as both scorer and creator.
With 14 league goals this season and consistently among the top scorers in Serie A, Lautaro’s strengths lie in assists, progressive passes, and his ability to link play. He’s less a penalty box poacher and more a versatile forward comfortable dropping deep or drifting wide.
For Bayern, this could mean a slight tactical shift—using Martínez as a facilitator could unlock space for fast and direct wingers like Sadio Mané or Serge Gnabry, mimicking Thomas Tuchel’s strategies at former clubs. While a departure from the classic number nine, Martínez’s all-round play still guarantees a consistent goal threat.
Comparison Table: Leading Candidates at a Glance
| Player | Age | 2022-23 League Goals | Aerial Duels Won (%/90) | Key Strengths | Potential Drawback |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aleksandar Mitrović | 28 | 11 (as of 21 apps) | ~4.6 per 90 (~58%) | Aerial strength, hold-up play, relentless work rate | Less mobile than some targets |
| Álvaro Morata | 30 | 10 (in 26 apps) | ~60.7% | Positional sense, skillful finishing, versatility | Inconsistent finishing; short-term option |
| Victor Osimhen | 24 | 21 (in 23 apps) | High, exact data varies | Explosive, mobile, penalty area presence | Expensive transfer fee |
| Lautaro Martínez | 25 | 14 (current season) | Moderate | Link-up play, creativity, consistent scoring | Not a classic target man |
Final Thoughts: Who Is the Ideal Successor?
Choosing the ideal replacement for Robert Lewandowski depends on Bayern Munich’s long-term strategy and transfer budget:
- Mitrović represents a straightforward fit—affordable, powerful, and tactically suited to Bayern’s needs.
- Morata provides experience and flexibility, though may not deliver over the long haul.
- Osimhen boasts world-class potential and athleticism, but his cost might test Bayern’s financial discipline.
- Martínez promises creativity and adaptability—an exciting forward who could shift Bayern’s approach to attacking play.
Ultimately, Bayern face a crucial decision: pursue a ‘like-for-like’ replacement in the traditional number nine mold, or evolve their attack with a different type of forward. Securing a dynamic, strong, and clinical centre-forward will be vital for the club’s ambitions both domestically and in Europe.
Conclusion
Replacing a legend like Robert Lewandowski is no easy feat. Whether Bayern opt for the physical dominance of Mitrović, the adaptability of Morata, Osimhen’s star quality, or the creative play of Martínez, their next signing will shape the club’s competitive future. Careful consideration of tactical fit, price, and long-term value will determine not just the next striker, but the direction of Bayern Munich for years to come.
