Just months before another defining summer at Camp Nou, uncertainty is beginning to swirl around a figure who has come to symbolise stability and goals during a turbulent period for the club.
With Barcelona still balancing financial constraints, contract planning has quietly become one of the most important background battles ahead of next season.
Decisions around senior players are expected to shape not only the wage bill but also the identity of the squad moving forward.
As younger talents continue to emerge, questions naturally arise about how long the current leaders will remain central to the project.
One of those conversations now centres on Robert Lewandowski, whose current deal at Barcelona expires on 30 June, potentially making the coming campaign his final one in Blaugrana colours.
The 37-year-old has yet to publicly commit to his next step, but interest is far from lacking, with clubs from Saudi Arabia and the United States monitoring his situation closely.
In the MLS, Chicago Fire are believed to be leading the charge, pushing aggressively to bring the Polish striker to the United States.
That pursuit was underlined by Janusz Michallik, the former United States international and ESPN analyst, who has close ties to the Chicago franchise.
“The club is 100% committed to signing him. They are trying hard to convince him and his wife. Anna knows that she will receive all kinds of support for her professional development in Chicago,” he said, as quoted by SPORT.
Michallik also downplayed the likelihood of a move to the Middle East, suggesting lifestyle considerations could outweigh financial incentives.
“They have already discussed it, and I don’t think Saudi Arabia is the best place for the Lewandowskis in terms of quality of life. As for the rest of Europe, Robert will not return to Germany, nor would he stay in Spain unless it was with Barcelona.
“Luis Enrique is opting for a different type of player at PSG, and in England, I’m not convinced that the biggest clubs have a place for him. The only possible destination would be Italy.”
For Barcelona, the situation places added pressure on long-term planning, especially given Lewandowski’s influence both on and off the pitch since arriving from Bayern Munich.
His goals have often papered over structural cracks, while his professionalism has set standards inside the dressing room during a period of transition.
Whether the club chooses to extend his stay or prepare for life after him, the decision will have a ripple effect across recruitment, tactics and leadership.
As things stand, Barcelona remain the only Spanish side Robert Lewandowski would consider staying for, leaving the door open for one final chapter at Camp Nou — or a high-profile farewell that signals a new era.
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