The 2014 World Cup winner acquired a majority stake in the 14-time Polish champions earlier this month and is overseeing an ambitious plan to strengthen the club on and off the pitch.
After winning the Polish Cup and finishing runners-up in the Ekstraklasa top flight this season, Górnik are preparing for a major overhaul aimed at establishing the club as a regular participant in European competitions, according to the Przegląd Sportowy newspaper.
The club plans to increase its budget for player contracts in an effort to retain key performers and attract higher-quality signings.
Górnik's long-term goal is not only to qualify for European competitions but also to reach and remain in the league phase of UEFA tournaments, boosting both its sporting profile and financial strength.
The club is expected to bolster its squad this summer as it seeks to build on its strongest campaign in recent years.
Górnik will enter Champions League qualifying next season after securing second place in Poland's top flight and benefiting from the country's improved position in UEFA's coefficient rankings.
The club's new era began on May 20, when the Zabrze City Council unanimously approved the sale of the municipality's 86 percent stake to a company owned by Podolski.
The city sold 1,095,297 shares for just under PLN 4 million (EUR 950,000, USD 1.1 million), while Podolski committed to investing PLN 12.5 million in the club over the next three years.
The agreement allows the city to retain a so-called golden share, guaranteeing it a seat on the club's supervisory board and preventing any change to the club's name, crest or location.
Podolski, who was born in Gliwice near Zabrze in southern Poland before moving to Germany as a child, earned 130 caps and scored 49 goals for Germany. During his club career he played for clubs including FC Köln, Bayern Munich and Arsenal.
A long-time admirer of Górnik, Podolski joined the club as a player in 2021 and has repeatedly expressed his desire to help restore one of Poland's most storied football institutions to former glory.
The takeover marks the latest chapter in Górnik's history after years of municipal ownership.
The club was previously controlled by insurer Allianz between 2007 and 2011 before financial difficulties and relegation led to its return to city ownership.
(rt/gs)
Source: Przegląd Sportowy, sportowefakty.wp.pl, PAP