Speculation about who will succeed Robert Lewandowski at Barcelona has come thick and fast in recent months.
From Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic to Internazionale talisman Lautaro Martínez – not forgetting Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and Harry Kane of Bayern Munich, the free-scoring hitmen Barcelona president Joan Laporta most covets but is least able to afford – the Catalan club has been linked with some of the world’s leading talent.
What few have thought to ask, however, is whether Lewandowski will actually leave the club when his contract expires this summer. The Poland international’s wife, Anna Lewandowska, may just have provided the answer.
Could Robert Lewandowski stay at Barcelona beyond this summer?
In the absence of official confirmation to the contrary, it has been impossible to discount the possibility that “the best No 9 of the last decade”, as Hansi Flick has dubbed him, might simply accept a pay cut and a more limited role in the team.
Lewandowski did little to dampen that theory when he remarked to Polish media last year: “I’m well aware that at my age, playing less could actually benefit me over the course of the season.”
However, comments made by Lewandowska to the Polish outlet Plejada appear to indicate that this will indeed be the former Bayern Munich man’s final season at Camp Nou.
Anna Lewandoska: ‘It will probably be my husband’s last year’
“We’ll see how the season goes in Barcelona this year because, let’s say, it will probably be my husband’s last here, so we’re squeezing every last drop out of it,” said Lewandowska.
“We’re enjoying every moment, every match with the fans, because we know that one day we won’t have any of this.
“What’s next? We don’t know, but that’s the path of a great athlete, and especially a great sportsman, and we’re ready for it.”
Lewandowski, who held talks with Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire over a possible move last month, would not want for interest were he to become available. With nine goals from 18 La Liga appearances this season, the striker remains a potent attacking force.
Lewandowski matches Lionel Messi’s Champions League record
When he turned home a Lamine Yamal cross from close range against Copenhagen on Wednesday night, the Danish side became the 40th different team Lewandowski has scored against in the Champions League, taking him past Cristiano Ronaldo to match the all-time record held by Lionel Messi.
With Ferran Torres edging ahead of him in the Barca pecking order, however, Lewandowski hinted last month that a change of scenery could be in the offing.
“Right now, I don’t know where I want to play,” he said. “There’s no need to think about it yet. I don’t know which direction to take.”
Lewandowska appears to have confirmed that whatever course he alights on, it is likely to carry him away from Barcelona.
