His athletic performance in the second season is undeniable. His goals have earned Barca 17 points in La Liga. At 36 years old, he will reach his peak salary next season: 16 million euros net.
Approaching his 36th birthday, Robert Lewandowski still leaves some doubts about the level of performance he can achieve in the 2024-25 season as he nears 37 years old. However, the Polish striker has made the latter part of this season a statement of his abilities.
His contributions in the league are substantial. His lament of scoring “only 16” goals underscores their significance in terms of points – they’ve amounted to no less than 17, according to AS.
At the start of the season, Lewandowski scored two crucial goals at La Cerámica (3-4) and El Sadar (1-2). He then led a comeback with a double against Celta (3-2), and his two goals were also pivotal against Alavés (2-1). A single goal of his secured a vital point against Granada (3-3). He also led comebacks in Vigo (1-2) and most recently against Valencia (4-2).
Seventeen points are significant, indeed nine more than what his 23 goals last season produced in the league. Lewandowski has been more decisive than last year, when his performance dipped post-World Cup. And he has been improving.
The issue with his future relates solely to financial concerns, and it’s a tough one. Next season, according to information revealed by Cadena SER, Lewandowski will earn 16 million euros net, which is the salary cap for him at Barca.
Last season, he received ten million, and this year, thirteen. In the 2025-26 season, if he completes his contract (which would automatically happen if he plays 55% of the matches), it would drop to 13 million net.
Barca believes it needs some of that salary space to strengthen its squad to levels that will allow it to compete for titles it will not win this season. However, Deco and Laporta will need to negotiate with Pini Zahavi, Lewandowski’s agent, who is currently not pleased with the club’s top management, according to AS.
Lewandowski and his family are happy in Barcelona. They have adapted wonderfully to the city, have their golden retreat in Mallorca nearby, and plan to continue despite recent rumors of a move to the MLS in the United States.
Plan A is to stay another season because the former Bayern player believes he still has more to offer. Moreover, the arrival of Vitor Roque hasn’t created the competition that was anticipated. The Brazilian has yet to demonstrate the level needed to compete for Lewandowski’s position.
It’s possible that the solution might involve adjusting the player’s salary to strengthen other positions. But this would depend on the goodwill of the player. It also depends on assurances that he remains part of Xavi’s sports plan, who was noncommittal when asked about the striker: “I will not speak about anyone’s future.”
