Barcelona bosses give brutal Lewandowski verdict ahead of 'tense summer'

Tom Weber

Updated: 23 Feb 2024 16:01 GMT
3 min read

Robert Lewandowski is facing an uncertain Barcelona future, with some in the club believing he needs to be sold, according to a report.

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The Polish striker has not been his deadly self this season. While a record of 18 goals and six assists would be considered a brilliant return for most strikers, Lewandowski is not like most strikers.

For years Europe's best number nine, age finally seems to be catching up with the 35-year-old and Lewandowski has often been singled out for criticism this term. Indeed, speculation about his future rarely stays quiet for more than a few weeks.

Already in the summer, the veteran striker was linked with a Barcelona exit, while more recently links with an MLS switch reemerged, as they do seemingly every season. However, given that Barcelona paid a whopping €45 million for him just two years ago, they are keen to recoup a significant chunk of that outlay.

As acknowledged by Chicago Fire boss Frank Klopas, MLS clubs don't have the financial strength to pull off such a signing. However, according to a fresh report, some at Barcelona are nevertheless keen on cashing in on Lewandowski.

'Not a franchise player'

The Athletic reports that some in Catalunya believe that Barcelona's starting number nine should be a 'franchise player,' which is something that an ageing Robert Lewandowski quite simply can't be anymore at this stage of his career.

Consequently, they are in favour of cashing in on the Pole in what is set to be a 'tense summer transfer window.' The problem the Blaugrana will face is the same as they already faced with regard to a potential move stateside.

Few if any European clubs will be willing to shell out big money on a 35-year-old in the summer, meaning that the Blaugrana's only hope appears to be a potential switch to Saudi Arabia. Already courted by Saudi sides last year, Lewandowski categorically ruled out a move to the Middle East at the time.