Barcelona Reaches Agreement with Robert Lewandowski Over Contract Extension
Barcelona forward Robert Lewandowski is set to remain at the club for the upcoming season, following an agreement on a contract extension. The Polish striker, now in his third season with the Catalan giants, has been in exceptional form under manager Hansi Flick, currently leading La Liga's Pichichi race with a three-goal advantage over Kylian Mbappé.
This season, Lewandowski has made a significant impact, scoring 31 goals and providing three assists in 33 appearances. His lethal finishing has been a key asset for Barcelona, although discussions about finding a replacement for the veteran forward have surfaced, especially considering he will turn 37 next season. Flick has also begun to rest and rotate Lewandowski more frequently in recent months.
Lewandowski's contract extension was anticipated due to a clause that would automatically extend his deal through 2026 if he participated in at least half of the team's matches this season for a minimum of 45 minutes. Reports indicate that he is on track to meet this requirement soon, but Barcelona has proactively agreed to the extension ahead of time.
The agreement involved key figures at the club, including Sporting Director Deco, President Joan Laporta, and manager Hansi Flick. Lewandowski is also leading the Champions League scoring charts, tied with Serhou Guirassy at nine goals.
Despite his commitment to Barcelona, speculation about the club's search for a future replacement continues. Recently, Barcelona has been linked with Alexander Isak of Newcastle United, as well as Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP, who could be a more affordable option at around €65 million. The challenge of managing game time between two star strikers will be a consideration for the club moving forward.
Lewandowski has previously turned down offers from Saudi Arabia, expressing his desire to stay at Barcelona and compete at the highest level for as long as possible. As the club navigates its future plans, the focus will remain on balancing the immediate contributions of Lewandowski with the long-term vision for the team's attacking lineup.