Barcelona make Robert Lewandowski contract decision

Barcelona have decided to hand their ageing centre-forward Robert Lewandowski a one-year contract extension, according to a report in Spain.

The prolific Pole turns 37 in August but is enjoying the best campaign of his brief Barcelona career. After leading the Catalan giants to the 2022/23 title under Xavi Hernandez, Lewandowski endured a noticeable dip in performance and output last season.

However, the arrival of Hansi Flick - Lewandowski's former Bayern Munich manager - has revitalised the revered forward. By reshaping Barcelona's pressing scheme, essentially getting the tireless wingers to do Lewandowski's running for him, Flick has wound back the biological clock on his number nine's career.

The powers that be in Catalonia are of the same opinion and have decided to offer Lewandowski a new deal which stretches to 2027, per SPORT. The Poland international's current deal automatically renews to 2026 once he plays 55% of the team's matches across all competitions which is all but guaranteed given his involvement in 34 of 37 games thus far.

Rather than a simple extension, this new deal is expected to spread Lewandowski's existing salary across 2026 and 2027 to help the club's precarious finances. There will also be a series of achievable bonuses relating to appearances and goals to help boost the Pole's earnings.

Barcelona are in the process of mass contract renewals. Pedri and Gavi have been tied down to long-term deals while the Catalans fended off outside interest to secure the future of Ronald Araujo.

The current La Liga leaders have been linked with a long-term replacement for Lewandowski. Newcastle United's Alexander Isak and Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres have both been put forward, but the finances involved are likely to be out of Barcelona's limited remit.

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