FC Barcelona Preparing To Sell Robert Lewandowski: Reports

FC Barcelona are preparing to sell striker Robert Lewandowski according to El Nacional.

The Catalans went to great lengths to sign the Pole from Bayern Munich last year, with the player effectively forcing his exit from the Bundesliga giants.

Thanks to help from one of their ‘economic levers’, they eventually got their man in a deal worth €45 million ($48.6 million) plus €5 million ($5.4 million) in add-ons.

The number 9 came roaring out of the tracks with his new team and netted an impressive 18 goals in 19 games before Qatar 2022.

Following the FIFA tournament, however, he has been a shell of himself and admitted that he and his team struggled to find the back of the net on their way to a first La Liga title in four years.

“After the World Cup, we struggled to play well offensively,” Lewandowski told The Athletic in preseason.

“I’m not talking about winning games but about creating chances and scoring goals as a team. Improving that is a huge challenge. We have to prepare better and find solutions within the structure of the team. This is our next step forward.”

In 2023/2024, however, Lewandowski remains goalless thus far.

Were it not for Pedri and Ferran Torres, who netted in a 2-0 win over Cadiz, Barca would have broken an unwanted 50-year record of beginning a La Liga campaign without scoring in their maiden two games for the first time since 1973.

Though head coach Xavi Hernandez has backed his target man in public, El Nacional reports that the downturn in form has pushed Barca to sell Robert Lewandowski.

Furthermore, a date and price has already been set for the bombshell development.

With Vitor Roque set to arrive at the turn of the the year, Barca will reportedly put the 35-year-old on the market in June 2024 for €40 million ($43.2 million).

Also of concern alongside Lewandowski’s drought is a contract that allegedly increases in value with each passing year.

According to MARCA, Lewandowski earned a net salary of €10 million ($10.8 million) last term which has risen to €13 million ($14 million) in the current campaign.

In 2024/2025, it again grows to €16 million ($17.3 million) before dropping back down to €13 million ($14 million) ahead of expiry in 2026.

Given Barca’s well-documented economic issues which include a struggle to navigate Financial Fair Play limits and register players, getting such hefty wages off the books would be a wise move if Lewandowski is no longer cut out for the highest level.

There has already been interest in the veteran from the Saudi Pro League, and this might be worth listening to if it is rekindled a year down the line.