The contract situation has been brewing for months. Now, with the season entering its decisive final stretch, it has reached a critical point.
Barcelona have presented Robert Lewandowski with a formal offer to extend his stay at the club beyond this summer. The proposal, as reported by Sport and confirmed by multiple sources, offers the 37-year-old a one-year extension — but with a significant condition: a salary reduction of approximately 50% compared to his current deal, which sees him earn around €30 million per season.
The shortfall would be partially offset by performance-related bonuses tied to goals scored, appearances made and collective objectives achieved.
Why Barcelona Are Offering It
Hansi Flick wants Lewandowski to stay. That much is clear. Despite his age, the Pole has scored 16 goals and provided six assists across 37 appearances this season, and his authority in the dressing room — mentoring Lamine Yamal, Gavi and a squad built around young players — is considered invaluable.
The financial constraints are equally clear. Barcelona must comply with La Liga's financial fair play regulations, and reducing Lewandowski's wage bill is one of the mechanisms by which they can do so. The club cannot simply offer a renewal on current terms regardless of how much Flick values the player.
Joan Laporta, re-elected as club president in the March elections, has publicly stated his desire to keep Lewandowski. Relations between the player's agent, Pini Zahavi, and the Barcelona board are reported to be positive.
What Lewandowski Wants
Lewandowski is not rushing. He has been clear — publicly and privately — that he will not make a decision until at least the end of April, when he has a clearer picture of the season's outcome and a conversation with Flick about his role going forward.
His conditions are straightforward: he wants to feel genuinely important to the project, not transitioned into a secondary role. If Barcelona can give him that assurance alongside an acceptable financial package, he is open to staying.
The family dimension also matters. Lewandowski's wife and children are settled in Barcelona. That comfort, sources close to the player say, makes him more open to accepting a reduced financial package than he might otherwise be.
The Juventus Threat
Juventus are serious. They have been crunching the numbers on signing Lewandowski as a free agent this summer, potentially pairing him with Vlahovic, Kolo Muani and Yildiz. The Italian club sees the move as viable — but would need to make sales to free up the wage budget required.
MLS clubs have also registered interest. Saudi Arabia remains an option. The market for a 37-year-old who has scored 16 goals in a title-challenging La Liga campaign this season is larger than many expected.
The Timeline
Barcelona want an answer between the end of April and the beginning of May — early enough to react in the transfer market if Lewandowski decides to leave. The Champions League quarter-final against Atlético is first. The contract decision comes after.
