Kownacki returns to Lech

Kownacki returns to Lech after 4.5 years. In summer 2017, he joined Sampdoria Genoa and later moved to Fortuna Düsseldorf. “The door is always open for our homegrown players who wish to return to Poznań. We take care of them when they start their careers and decide to move to another club, but at the same time, we are always ready to welcome them back, if they wish so. Hence, when the option arose for Dawid to rejoin us in this winter transfer window, he immediately kicked off negotiations and now can finally announce that he will come to Poznań on loan. There is no buyout clause in the contract, but we are hoping that in those next few months, Dawid will help us achieve our objective, that is win the Championship and Polish Cup,” explained Tomasz Rząsa, Lech’s Sporting Director.

The player from Gorzów Wielkopolski arrived at Lech when he was 8 years old. On December 6^th, 2013 he made his debut for the first team against Wisła Cracow (2:0) – that was shortly before the 17^th birthday which made him the youngest debutant since over 50 years. Kownacki also scored his first goal for Lech before he turned 17 – in February 2014, against Szczecin Poznań (1:5). It was another record-breaking achievement, making Dawid the youngest goal scorer for Lech at the time.

In the season 2014/2015, Kownacki won the Polish Championship with Lech. Similar to now, back then the team was managed by Maciej Skorża.

“Dawid is an experienced player. His return to Poznań is a win-win – Dawid will get a chance to rebuild himself, whereas we are gaining an important player that can help us win the Championship title and Polish Cup. We know each other well since we have already worked together in 2014 and 2015. Kownacki fits in great as he can play both, as a forward, and as a winger. He will undoubtedly add value to the internal rivalry within the offensive line,” highlighted coach Skorża.

The 24-year-old appeared in 94 Ekstraklasa games in which he scored 21 goals and assisted his teammates 10 times. Dawid also competed in Polish Cup and European League games, including the away win against Fiorentina (2:1) during which he found the back of the net. “It is a return home for me – this is where I was raised, and I know the place inside out. Being back here immediately felt comforting and familiar, especially since a lot of the staff members I have already had the chance to work with. I shouldn’t have any problems adapting to the team,” explained Kownacki. “Most of all, I want to earn my place in the starting line-up as quickly as possible and help the team on the pitch. I also want to win my second Championship title and my first Polish Cup trophy – I have played in the final three times before but never celebrated a win,” added the forward.

In summer 2017, Kownacki was sold to Sampdoria Genoa and 1.5 years later, he moved to Fortuna Düsseldorf which is currently competing in 2. Bundesliga. On Tuesday, having passed medical tests, the agreement on a 6-month loan was finalised. On Wednesday, the 24-year-old already joined his new/old team for training.