The bomb exploded with a cold and blunt statement from coach Hansi Flick, who did not hesitate to explain the reasons for this resolution: “At 37 years old, Robert can no longer keep up with the pace we impose. I am convinced that he will drag the team down if he stays.”
These words from the German coach have fallen like a bucket of cold water on the fans. Flick, who has revolutionized Barça’s playing style with high pressing, quick transitions and brutal physical intensity, believes that the veteran scorer no longer fits into the model he intends to consolidate. The German has been blunt: age, loss of explosiveness and the difficulty in maintaining the level required in each training session and match have sealed Lewandowski’s fate at the Camp Nou.
The Pole arrived at Barça in the summer of 2022 from Bayern Munich in an operation that raised passions. At 34 years old at the time, Lewandowski broke every record imaginable in his first season: 33 goals in LaLiga, Pichichi, European Golden Boot and a devastating impact that restored enthusiasm to fans battered by years of irregularities. Since then, he has surpassed 100 goals in the Blaugrana shirt, becoming one of the most lethal forwards in the club’s recent history.
However, the passage of time is relentless. At 37 years old, Lewandowski has shown obvious signs of wear and tear. Although he continues to score (with 8 goals so far in the 2025-26 season), his participation in high pressing has decreased significantly, his mobility in the last few meters is no longer what it used to be and muscle injuries have appeared more frequently.
In several key matches, such as the recent semi-final of the Spanish Super Cup where he did not even take the field, Flick has chosen to rest him or leave him on the bench, prioritizing Ferran Torres or even promising young players from the reserve team.
The board, headed by Joan Laporta and Deco, has fully supported the coach’s position. Sources inside the club assure that the decision was made after several meetings in which the player’s physical performance, his salary (one of the highest in the squad, close to 500,000 euros per week net) and the economic impact of keeping him for another year were analyzed. With the limitations of financial fair play still present, Barça needs to lighten the salary mass in order to be able to incorporate younger and more dynamic profiles that fit into the long-term project.
Lewandowski, for his part, has not given up so easily. According to information leaked in the last few hours, the Polish forward has proposed three options that have left fans stunned:
Drastic downward renewal: accept a salary reduction of more than 50% to remain as a “locker room man” and mentor to young attackers.Guaranteed secondary role: continue in the team as a luxury substitute, entering the last 20-30 minutes of games to take advantage of his scoring instinct.Departure in January with compensation: force a winter transfer in exchange for financial compensation that allows him to leave without being released.
None of these alternatives has been well received in the club’s offices. The official position is clear: Lewandowski will end his contract in June 2026 and will leave as a free agent. There is no intention to terminate it early or accept salary reductions that would unbalance the economic structure of the team.
The culé fans are devastated. On social networks, thousands of messages express pain, gratitude and nostalgia. “Lewy gave us life when we needed it most”, “He will always be a legend”, “Thank you for everything, but it hurts to see him like this” are some of the most repeated comments. There are those who defend Flick and understand the need for generational renewal, but many feel that an idol who gave everything for the shirt is being coldly said goodbye.
Lewandowski’s immediate future points to several possible destinations. The MLS (especially Inter Miami or Los Angeles FC) sees him as a poster star to close his career with high income and less physical demand. The Saudi Pro League continues to insist with astronomical offers, although the Pole has always prioritized competitive sports projects. There has even been mention of a possible return to Germany or a trip to Italy (AC Milan has been loudly reported).
Meanwhile, Barça is already working silently on his replacement. Names like Dusan Vlahovic (Juventus), Victor Osimhen (if he returns from his loan) or even Harry Kane (although complicated by his situation at Bayern) appear in the pools. Flick wants a more mobile ‘9’, with a better ability to press and associate in small spaces.
The Lewandowski era at FC Barcelona is coming to an end. What began as a dream of endless goals and titles is said goodbye amid doubts, managerial coldness and a goodbye that no one expected so abrupt. The “untouchable” is no longer. Barça looks to the future, but the culé heart still beats with the memory of that relentless forward who made the Camp Nou vibrate time and again.
Thanks, Robert. And good luck in whatever comes.
