Bayern Munich are known for conducting transfer business as quietly as possible - this summer was different.
Robert Lewandowski, who had played eight years for the club, engaged in a public battle with Bayern's management and directors, trying to force his way out
Their reluctance seemed justified, given that Lewandowski had been a life insurance for Bayern for quite some time. The expectation was that the loss of such a prolific goalscorer would diminish the Bundesliga champions' attacking power significantly - until Bayern played their first competitive match of the new season.