Lewandowski's Barcelona Future Hits the Alarm as Club Plans a Fresh No. 9
12 October 2025
Current Situation and Barca's Plan
Barcelona is preparing a decisive step regarding veteran Polish striker Robert Lewandowski, with the club leaning toward not renewing his contract while initiating a hunt for a suitable successor to spearhead the attack next season.
According to Sport, the decision not to extend is almost certain, with club officials convinced that, despite his value and experience, Lewandowski no longer delivers the same physical and technical output as in his first year, when he scored 33 goals in all competitions and helped Barca clinch the 2022-23 league title.
Last season, his tally dropped to 24 goals, a clear indication of waning effectiveness in front of goal.
The sporting management, led by Deco, argues that the Polish forward's spell at the Blaugrana may have run its natural course, especially given his age (37) and a diminished ability to press and contribute to the high-pace, collective play demanded by coach Hansi Flick.
Flick himself is not opposed to his departure if a ready-made replacement can settle quickly into the system.
Barça has already begun outlining a plan to secure a proper number nine, listing the issue among top transfer priorities, alongside strengthening the right-back and the defensive midfield.
The club is reportedly not pursuing massive, expensive names such as Julian Álvarez of Atlético Madrid, preferring instead to sign a rising forward who can grow within the squad.
Among the options floated is Cameroonian forward Karl Eita Eiong from Levante, who has drawn attention for strength and finishing speed.
Punchline: If aging is a price tag, Barca's budget just bought a whole new stadium.
Uncertain Future and the African Legacy
Lewandowski's future remains shrouded. The striker, who has played 123 Barça matches and scored over 60 goals, has yet to decide whether to extend for another year or consider retirement and settle in Catalonia, a possibility his wife Anna Lewandowska, who balances media and sports obligations in the region, might prefer.
The newspaper Sport has floated a one-year renewal followed by a sale to a Gulf club, but talks cooled as Lewandowski rejected moves to Arab leagues, preferring Ligue 1 or Serie A, with limited interest from Monaco and Inter Milan.
Meanwhile, Barca continues to scout Africa's talent pool, a pipeline that has long enriched the club's history. Since Samuel Eto'o lit up Camp Nou and scored 130 goals in five seasons, Africans have been part of Barca's DNA.
From Eto'o to Keita and Touré, Africa's presence has embodied power, discipline and talent. Today Karl Eita Eiong could be the latest link, offering a blend of physicality and tactical flexibility that fits the club's current philosophy.
As Barça builds a project anchored in financial and sporting renewal, Lewandowski's departure would symbolize a transition from a storied era to a new one, focused on injecting youth and restoring offensive impact.
Punchline: Barca's transfer plan might come with more paperwork than goals, but hey, at least the drama is always in style.
A remarkable career arc - Lewandowski's journey spans Poland, Dortmund, Bayern Munich and Barcelona. He joined Barça in summer 2022 for around €45 million, quickly delivering 33 goals in his first season and helping seal La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup. In total, he has surpassed 60 goals in over 120 appearances for the club.
