The FC Barcelona locker room is still abuzz after the historic 0-4 win against Atlético de Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano. What many considered a simple stumble has become the trigger for an internal revolution that Hansi Flick is leading with absolute determination.

According to information verified by several sources very close to the club and the coaching staff, the German coach and the offensive captain Raphinha have reached a private and silent agreement: one of the team’s great stars will not continue in the Blaugrana project beyond June 30, 2026.

The name that has fallen like a bomb in the offices of the Ciutat Esportiva isRobert Lewandowski. The 37-year-old Polish forward, Bayern Munich’s all-time top scorer and absolute benchmark since his arrival at Barça in 2022, would be the piece that Flick and Raphinha have decided to sacrifice to make way for a profound renewal of the attack. The phrase that would have sealed the fate of the ‘9’ in a reserved conversation between the coach, the Brazilian and Deco (sports director) is blunt: “His time with the team is over!”

The decision was not made in the heat of the moment after the defeat in Madrid, but rather had been brewing in recent weeks. However, last Sunday’s game acted as a definitive catalyst. Lewandowski, who came off the bench in the 55th minute when the score was already 0-3, barely created any danger in the 35 minutes he played. He missed a clear chance in the small area, lost several aerial duels and was seen disconnected from the collective game that Flick demands: immediate high pressing, constant movements without the ball and participation in the build-up from behind.

For the German, the Pole today represents the symbol of an era that must be left behind: that of Barça dependent on an individual killer instead of a team that suffocates the rival from the first minute.

Raphinha, who has assumed an unofficial leadership role in the locker room since the departure of Busquets and the irregularity of other veterans, would have been key in the conversation. Internal sources assure that the Brazilian conveyed his sincere perception to Flick: «Robert is a legend, but he can no longer keep up with the pace we need. “If we want to compete in the Champions League and win LaLiga in a dominant way, we have to look ahead.” According to the same sources, Flick would have nodded and responded: “Exactly. It’s not personal, it’s professional. Its cycle closes here.

Lewandowski, who still has a contract until June 2027 and earns close to 26 million gross per season (one of the highest salaries on the team), would have received the news directly but discreetly. There were no shouts or public fights: simply a private meeting with Flick and Deco in which he was informed that the club did not have him for the next season and that all options for a friendly exit would be explored. The Pole, always professional, would have listened in silence, asked for a few days to reflect and left the meeting without making a statement.

However, those close to him say that he is “pained and surprised”, although aware that his performance has dropped in recent months (only 11 goals in 28 games this season, far from his usual records).

Barça’s plan involves negotiating a termination by mutual agreement or a symbolic transfer (possibly to the MLS, Saudi Arabia or even a return to the Bundesliga with a mid-table club looking for experience). Club sources indicate that Lewandowski will not put obstacles: he prefers to go out through the front door and avoid a conflict that damages his Blaugrana legacy.

In the locker room, the news has generated mixed reactions: some veterans like Ter Stegen and De Jong regret the decision because of the respect they feel towards Lewy, while the younger players (Pedri, Gavi, Yamal) see it as an opportunity to assume more responsibility.

Hansi Flick, true to his direct style, has not made any public reference to the matter. In the press conference prior to the Cup duel against Valencia, he limited himself to saying: «We are focused on the present. What happens in the summer will be talked about when the time comes. “Now we only think about winning the next games.” But his body language and this week’s training sessions make it clear that the German is imposing his vision without concessions: whoever does not perform 100% in each training session and each match, leaves.

Raphinha, for his part, has kept a low profile in the media, but in private he would have been the perfect bridge between the squad and the coach. The Brazilian, who this season has recovered his best version (8 goals and 10 assists to date), has become the voice of the young players and Flick’s main support within the group. His intervention would have been decisive so that the decision did not generate a major fracture in the locker room.

Lewandowski’s departure would mark the end of an era at Barça: that of the post-Messi galactic signing that had to guarantee sure goals. With him would also go the last vestige of the big name politics that Laporta criticized so much on his return to the presidency. Flick is committed to a more collective, more intense and younger model, with Lamine Yamal, Pau Víctor, Fermín López and possible signings such as Viktor Gyökeres or a more mobile and participatory ‘9’.

The culé fans are divided: some see logic in the generational change (“Lewy already gave everything he could”), others consider it disrespectful to fire a player who still contributes and has marked times (“He is a living legend, you cannot treat him like that”). The indisputable thing is that the Metropolitan’s defeat has opened a wound that cannot be healed with speeches: it has forced Barça to look in the mirror and decide who is part of the future.

Robert Lewandowski has four and a half months ahead of him to say goodbye with dignity. If he scores decisive goals in the League, Cup and Champions League, he could soften the exit. But the message from Flick and Raphinha is unappealable: their time at the Camp Nou is over. Next summer, the Camp Nou will say goodbye to one of the most lethal forwards in the club’s recent history.

The earthquake in Barça has only just begun.