The future of Robert Lewandowski at FC Barcelona is uncertain. The Pole has generated annoyance in the Barça coaching staff after his decision to play with his national team while carrying physical discomfort that resulted in a fibrillar rupture (left hamstring) was confirmed. In addition, his start to the season has been quite discreet.
The '9' has 4 goals in 9 matches, his weakest record since arriving in LaLiga in 2022. With 37 years completed and in his last year of contract, everything seems to indicate that 'Lewy' will leave Barça in June 2026, but in Poland they believe that the experienced striker will not leave Spain.
According to journalist Mateusz Swiecicki, Lewandowski is not planning to leave Europe in 25/26, and his future points to none other than Atlético de Madrid. Diego Simeone would be the main promoter of his possible arrival at the Metropolitano.
The reasons that would bring Lewandowski closer to Atlético
Robert has some very interesting offers that would guarantee him a 'golden' retirement in leagues like the Saudi or American leagues, but his competitive mentality leads him to stay in the elite if, physically, he still feels able to compete at the highest level.
In that sense, Atlético would be a very interesting destination for 'Lewy'. The 'Colchoneros' have Julián Álvarez and Alexander Sorloth as area references, but the Argentinian will probably look to leave the team if, for the second consecutive year, he fails to win any important title.
'The Spider', in fact, is rumored to be one of Barça's market priorities in terms of forwards. Meanwhile, 'Aleti', who in previous years has already opted for former Barça goalscorers such as David Villa (2013) and Luis Suárez (2020), would be delighted to bet on Lewandowski if the context of the operation is favorable.
Both 'Lucho' and the 'Guaje' arrived with a free transfer and were important in the two Leagues won by the 'rojiblancos' with Simeone on the bench. 'El Cholo' would try to repeat the formula in 2026, provided that the Polish forward leaves Barça for free and Julián asks to leave.
Lewandowski-Julián, a swap that could make Barça and Atlético happy
If an approach between Robert Lewandowski and Atlético were to be confirmed, Barcelona would try to take advantage to negotiate more favorable conditions for the possible transfer of Julián Álvarez. The Argentinian has a contract until 2030 and a release clause of 500 million euros.
Therefore, he will hardly leave the Metropolitano for less than 100 'kilos'. His salary, however, is considerably lower than that of the Pole. In 25/26, the 'Spider' will make 7 million net, 6 less than what 'Lewy' receives as a Barça forward (€13M).
For the Barça team, Robert's departure opens the door for the arrival of another goal scorer, beyond the good performance of Ferran Torres in recent months.
Erling Haaland is Joan Laporta's impossible dream, while other alternatives, such as Harry Kane or Dusan Vlahovic, remain on the radar of a Barça that, in 2026, hopes to have enough salary margin to sign without LaLiga restrictions.
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