How does Schick's extension affect Barcelona's Lewandowski plans?

Karan Tejwani

• 26 May 2022 11:30 BST
• 3 min read

Bayer Leverkusen forward Patrik Schick has signed a contract extension, tying him down to the club until the summer of 2027, in a move that could have a knock-on effect on transfer plans elsewhere.

The Czech forward signed for the club in 2020 and has had an impressive two seasons – in the recently-concluded campaign, he scored 24 Bundesliga goals, with only Robert Lewandowski scoring more.

His form over the course of the campaign raised rumours about a potential move in the summer, with clubs across Europe eyeing up his signature.

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Most prominently, Leverkusen’s two Bundesliga rivals, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, were noting Schick as replacements for Robert Lewandowski and Erling Haaland.

Haaland is already set to move to Manchester City in the summer, while the future of Lewandowski is up in the air, with the Polish forward heavily linked with a move to Barcelona after contract talks stalled with Bayern.

How are Barcelona affected by Schick's extension?

The news of Schick’s extension will particularly be a blow for Barcelona, who have identified Lewandowski as one of their primary targets for the summer transfer window.

The Blaugrana are set for a busy transfer window, having already secured the signings of Franck Kessie and Andreas Christensen on a free, with more likely to come.

It has been made clear that Bayern selling Lewandowski would only be possible if they find a suitable replacement before letting the 33-year-old go, and Schick’s extension may affect that.

Bayern would’ve been optimistic about the signing of Schick after Leverkusen’s move for Sparta Prague Adam Hložek, but the 19-year-old forward is seen as Schick’s long-term replacement.

It’s a tough situation for both Bayern and Barcelona to be in – the German champions wouldn’t want to lose Lewandowski for free next year, while the Polish forward is central to Barcelona’s future plans.

Xavi’s side have continuously improved over the course of the 2021/22 season, and adding a world class player in his best years like Lewandowski would’ve been the next step towards becoming a better team.