Barcelona have reportedly set two non-negotiable conditions for Robert Lewandowski if the Polish striker wishes to remain at the club beyond the current season. Despite the 37-year-old’s desire to stay in Catalonia, the club’s board, led by Joan Laporta, is prioritizing financial sustainability and a squad overhaul.
The Two Conditions: Pay Cut and Rotation
According to reports from Sport, the first hurdle for Lewandowski is a significant salary reduction. To help alleviate Barcelona’s ongoing financial struggles, the board is asking the veteran forward to slash his current €26 million annual salary by nearly 50%.
The second condition involves his on-field status. At 37, Lewandowski is no longer viewed as an undisputed starter. Hansi Flick’s tactical evolution requires more mobility, and the club has made it clear that “Lewy” must accept a reduced role as a rotation player to provide veteran leadership from the bench.
Saudi Arabia and MLS Looming as Julián Álvarez Becomes Top Target
While Barcelona will not force the Pole out of the door, they are already looking towards the future. The club is reportedly intensifying its interest in Julián Álvarez as a long-term successor for the number nine role.
Should Lewandowski reject the new terms, he will not be short of options. Both the Saudi Pro League and Major League Soccer (MLS) are closely monitoring the situation, ready to offer the striker one last lucrative contract before he hangs up his boots.
A Season of Transition
Despite the uncertainty, Lewandowski’s professionalism remains beyond reproach. This season, he has featured in 22 of Barcelona’s 30 matches, scoring 10 goals and providing one assist. However, with only 11 starts, the shift toward a bench role is already becoming a reality at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.
Miguel Manjate is a football journalist and editor covering the Premier League, European competitions, and transfer news, with a strong focus on match analysis and data-driven reporting.
