Barcelona will not renew Robert Lewandowski’s contract meaning he will leave as a free agent in the summer of 2026, according to Diario Sport

In a decision that marks the beginning of a new era at the Camp Nou, FC Barcelona have reportedly decided not to extend Robert Lewandowski’s contract, meaning the Polish striker will leave the club as a free agent in the summer of 2026, according to Diario Sport. This revelation has sent shockwaves through the football community, as Lewandowski remains one of the most recognizable and influential players in European football.

Lewandowski, who joined Barcelona from Bayern Munich in 2022, has been a crucial part of the team’s attacking setup over the last few seasons. His arrival was seen as a statement signing — a move that would restore Barça’s competitive edge following the departure of Lionel Messi. However, with age and financial considerations playing a growing role in the club’s long-term planning, the Catalan giants have reportedly chosen not to extend the 37-year-old’s stay beyond his current deal.

The decision, while not entirely unexpected, highlights Barcelona’s financial restructuring and their intent to focus on youth development under Hansi Flick. The German manager, who has been instrumental in promoting young talents such as Lamine Yamal, Fermín López, and Pau Cubarsí, appears set on building a new attacking core for the future — one that can sustain the club’s ambitions without the heavy wage burdens of aging stars.

Sources close to the club suggest that Lewandowski himself was aware that renewal talks were unlikely. Though he remains committed to finishing his contract strong, he reportedly understands that the club’s project is evolving. At 37, maintaining the same physical level in a team that thrives on speed and intensity is becoming increasingly difficult, especially in Flick’s pressing-oriented system.

Despite the news, Lewandowski’s impact at Barcelona cannot be understated. Since his arrival, he has scored over 70 goals across all competitions, helping the club secure the 2022–23 La Liga title and the Spanish Super Cup. His professionalism, leadership, and experience have served as a guiding force for a young and evolving squad. His mentorship of players like Yamal and Ferrán Torres has also been a key part of Barça’s internal growth.

For Barcelona fans, however, the news is bittersweet. While many acknowledge that the club must plan for the future, Lewandowski remains a beloved figure. His goals, charisma, and winning mentality brought stability to a team that was struggling to find direction after years of transition. Yet, the club’s financial limits under La Liga’s Fair Play rules mean that expensive extensions for veteran players are no longer viable.

Behind the scenes, Barcelona’s sporting director Deco has reportedly been pushing for a long-term rejuvenation strategy. The focus will be on developing young attackers rather than relying on marquee signings or extending veteran contracts. Players like Vitor Roque — the young Brazilian striker waiting for more first-team opportunities — are seen as the natural successors to Lewandowski’s role at the top of the attack.

Meanwhile, Lewandowski’s next step remains uncertain. Several clubs in Saudi Arabia, the MLS, and even Poland’s Ekstraklasa have reportedly shown interest in signing the forward once his contract expires. However, those close to the player suggest that Lewandowski’s priority remains competing in Europe, possibly in a less demanding league or in a coaching or ambassadorial capacity after retirement.

Barcelona’s choice not to renew also fits into their broader financial discipline under president Joan Laporta, who has insisted on avoiding “unsustainable contracts” that burden the club’s salary structure. While Laporta personally admired Lewandowski’s professionalism, the club’s long-term vision is now centered around players in their early to mid-20s, capable of leading Barcelona into the next generation.

For Lewandowski, the next two seasons will likely serve as his farewell tour — a final chapter in a legendary career that has spanned over two decades. With countless goals, titles, and personal accolades to his name, he will leave Barcelona not as a player in decline, but as one who gave everything for the badge during a time of transformation.

In many ways, his story at Barça mirrors the club’s evolution: from uncertainty and rebuilding to hope and renewal. As the summer of 2026 approaches, fans will undoubtedly cherish every remaining moment of Robert Lewandowski in Blaugrana colors, knowing that when the final whistle blows, it will mark the end of an era and the dawn of a new chapter for both club and player.

One thing is certain — Lewandowski’s legacy at Barcelona will live on long after he departs. His goals, leadership, and class both on and off the pitch have left a lasting imprint. As the club looks to the future, his professionalism will serve as the blueprint for the next generation of stars rising through the ranks of La Masia.