At a glance
- Lewandowski’s Barcelona future hangs in the balance as agent Pini Zahavi, is set to tour the world assessing his future.
- Juventus and AC Milan lead the race for the striker, with the MLS and Saudi Arabia also making approaches.
- Barcelona wants to keep him, but only on significantly reduced terms and a more peripheral role.
Robert Lewandowski‘s agent Pini Zahavi will review proposals for his client over the next few weeks, according to Fabrizio Romano.
His first stop will be in Italy. Juventus and AC Milan have both held talks with Zahavi, and a meeting between the parties expected in the very near future. It’s up to Lewandowski to make the decision, however, amid his Barcelona terms expiring on June 30.
When the Pole was asked about the rumours linking him with a move to Serie A earlier this week, he responded directly by saying: “We’ll speak soon” – which wasn’t exactly a denial.
Lewandowski’s Barcelona future
Barcelona reportedly want to retain Lewandowski for another year. However, the sticking point of negotiations will be the deal structure. The club is offering him a significant pay cut from his current contract, though there are also reports the player hasn’t received an offer yet.
Barca must know the number 9’s intentions clearly to plan the summer transfer window. A final decision therefore needs to be made quickly.
The Catalans are reportedly able to extend his contract by unilateral decision. Yet that will likely depend on what the veteran chooses to do.
Who else is in the running for Lewandowski’s signature?
Juventus are strongly pursuing the Polish international, and are reportedly offering him an annual wage of €6 million with potential for add-ons. The Old Lady has also promised Lewandowski of a starting position under Luciano Spalletti.
AC Milan is another interested party, and their sporting director Igli Tare has already contacted the player’s entourage. The Milaneses have scheduled a meeting with Zahavi, with the aim of making the potential move economically sustainable. But Lewandowski is currently earning three times what their top earner Rafael Leao gets.
Elsewhere, Chicago Fire have submitted a proposal of €20 million per season through to 2028. There are interested parties in Saudi Arabia as well, but none of them currently meet his ambitions.
What comes next in attack
Barcela are not standing still, with reports indicating that the club has identified potential replacements for Lewandowski. Julian Alvarez is the clear priority. However, the club is considering Alexander Sorloth of Atletico Madrid and Vedat Muriqi of Mallorca as backup options.
Harry Kane has also been mentioned as a long-term transfer target, though a transfer of that magnitude would require the club to be in a stable financial position next summer considering his salary.
Lewandowski has found the net 17 times in 40 appearances across all competitions this season. He’s far from done as a striker, however, his clock might have run down as a Barcelona starter. That’s something which could become clearer in the coming weeks, despite him getting the nod in 2-0 away win over Getafe at the weekend where he provided an assist for Marcus Rashford.
