No deal, Robert Lewandowski! Barcelona decide against offering new contract to veteran striker with Polish legend set to leave for free

Barcelona are leaning towards not offering Lewandowski a new contract with the Catalan giants when his existing deal expires next summer, according to Sport. The decision means the 37-year-old will be able to walk away as a free agent after four years with the club.

Lewandowski has scored 105 goals in 156 appearances for Barca with four already coming this season, including a brace in a late cameo off the bench to seal a stunning 6-0 win over Valencia in September.

A reduction in Barca’s salary cap for 2025/26 is believed to be a key factor in Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco’s ability to offer contract extensions to big-name stars. Barcelona are also said to have doubts about 37-year-old Lewandowski due to his age, a perceived drop in performance and the feeling that he can no longer press opponents at the same intensity as the rest of his teammates.

Lewandowski scored 42 goals last season in his most productive campaign for the club to date and helped Barca win La Liga, Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup titles. His record of eleven goals in the Champions League last term was also very impressive as Barca made it to the semi-finals.

The 37-year-old has rotated with Ferran Torres through the centre so far this season, as the Spaniard develops into a reliable striking option for La Blaugrana. They may still see the future of the club’s striker position as elsewhere though, amidst persistent links with the likes of Julian Alvarez, Erling Haaland and Etta Eyong. Marcus Rashford could also be used in the position according to reports.

Barcelona have endured a difficult start to October so far, losing their unbeaten record in La Liga in a 4-1 thumping at the hands of Sevilla. This came just four days after Goncalo Ramos sunk Flick’s side with a stoppage-time sucker punch as PSG came from behind to win 2-1 at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in the Champions League.

Deco spoke recently about Lewandowski and the club’s striker situation. He told Mundo Deportivo: “We’re not going to talk about renewals in October. We’re taking it step by step. He’s one of the best strikers of recent years, a top-level player. He’s helped us a lot. He’s scored more than 40 goals, but we will analyse it. It’s time to talk about getting injured players back.

“You shouldn’t get obsessed with a ‘9’, you might be wrong. Maybe you can play without a ‘9’. It’s not the time to talk about signings. Ferran can play as a ‘9’. PSG, the European champions, won the Champions League without a striker. Talking about a ‘9’ is a bit of a mistake, even though there are good players.

“We wanted a team that didn’t need to go to the market so much. When we renew, we also sign players. We have been able to avoid selling any important players. Many clubs would like to have these players. We have a championship team, a top-level team, that we need to improve. It’s better to go to the market, more calmly.”

There is little doubt that, should Lewandowski depart, there will be no shortage of suitors for the legendary Pole. His ability to score goals at the highest level is rivalled by very few, even if his legs may have lost a yard of pace.

Leading Poland at the World Cup next summer is thought to be a priority for Lewandowski, and so it is possible that his future at club level is resolved following the tournament. Poland currently sit in second place in group G in qualifying, three points behind the Netherlands with three matches remaining.