Barcelona considering selling superstar due to €16m-a-year wages from 2024-25 campaign: Reports
Barcelona are considering accepting offers for Polish striker Robert Lewandowski from the summer after considering his €16 million annual wages from next season. The Spanish giants have begun internal talks over the make-up of their squad in a bid to cut costs.
Former Bayern Munich striker Lewandowski is in his second season in Spain, having joined La Blaugrana ahead of the 2022-23 season. The 35-year-old is among the best-paid players at the club, as he reportedly earns around €13 million per annum.
A reported clause in his contract with the Spanish champions means that his salary is set for a bump up to €16 million per year from next season, a sum that the club is reluctant to pay. As a result, Catalunya Radio reports that Barcelona will consider offers to sign the striker, who will turn 36 in the summer.
Robert Lewandowski was excellent in his debut season in Spain, winning the Pichichi as he helped Barcelona win the Spanish La Liga title. This season, he has struggled a bit for consistency but remains in the running for the Pichichi.
Lewandowski remains largely happy in Spain despite rumors of disappointment at the decision of Xavi to remain in charge of the club. The Pole will, however, consider his options if the possibility of a transfer opens up in the summer.
Lewandowski does not have an interest in moving to the Middle East in case of an offer, instead preferring a move to the MLS. His priority, however, is to remain in Spain with the Catalan giants beyond this season.
The former FIFA The Best Player of the Year has scored 20 goals and provided nine assists in 43 appearances for Barcelona this season. He ended last season with 33 goals, showing a decline in his output in the last year, which may be indicative of his waning powers.
Barcelona set to offer starlet new contract
Barcelona are looking to hand teenage star Hector Fort a new contract after an impressive debut season at the club. The 17-year-old has proven his worth for the side as he is able to play in either of the full-back positions.
The decision of Xavi to stay on as manager of the club contributed to Fort deciding to extend his contract, according to journalist Matteo Moretto. The teenager is one of the gems of La Masia, and the club is keen to not lose him for his reported €6 million release clause.
Fort will be keen to establish himself as a regular for Barcelona from next season, seeing as Marcos Alonso and Joao Cancelo may not be at the club. The 17-year-old has made eight appearances for the side this season and will look to play more regularly next season.