Barcelona intends to have the center forward position resolved as soon as possible for next season.
There has been a debate at the club over the future of Robert Lewandowski following his recent drop in form.
Discussions are therefore underway over whether to keep the 36-year-old for one more season or splurge on a replacement in the summer.
Serious talks with Lewandowski in February
Therefore, SPORT reports that after the winter transfer market, Barcelona and Lewandowski will hold talks to confirm the continuity of a key player for coach Hansi Flick.
Lewandowski signed a three-year contract with the Catalans, with the option of a fourth depending on the number of games played this season.
He blaugrana They trust that this clause will be activated in February, at which time Lewandowski, as long as there are no physical setbacks, will have played 60% of the games.
From there, the player’s performance will influence the decision, which has sparked an ongoing internal debate.
A sector of the club’s board believes that this summer may be the right time to sign a top-level forward for both the present and the future. Barcelona are also confident that funds from the sale of VIP seats at the new Camp Nou will help finance the move.
It could be an ideal summer, since both Erling Haaland and Viktor Gyokeres, two coveted forwards, could be available on the market.
Deco and Flick, in favor of continuing with Lewandowski
Barcelona maintain a close relationship with Lewandowski’s agent, Pini Zahavi, and talks on this matter will begin in February.
Deco and Flick are clear that Lewandowski’s performance is optimal and that one option could be to extend his contract for another year and wait until 2026 to find a suitable replacement.
Although Lewandowski will turn 37 next summer, he is in good physical condition and his numbers remain solid. However, if their performance declines, as has happened in recent weeks, the debate will be reopened.
Lewandowski’s intentions are clear: he wants to continue at Barça and believes he will earn it on the pitch. He sees himself competing at the highest level for at least one more year and feels very comfortable at the club.
However, Barcelona also knows that he is a professional who would not resist making a decision if there are doubts about his future.
For now, Barcelona are hoping to see out January, confident that the superstar will return to his usual goalscoring form.