Barcelona Veteran Seeks Scoring Boost to Earn New Contract Amid MLS Interest

Robert Lewandowski faces uncertain future at Barcelona as he looks to prove his worth with 10-goal target.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski, now approaching his 38th birthday, is facing an uncertain future at the club as his contract expires at the end of the current season. Despite interest from MLS club Chicago Fire and clubs in Saudi Arabia, Lewandowski's preference is to stay at Barcelona, where his family is settled. To earn a contract extension, the Polish veteran has reportedly set a personal goal of scoring 10 more goals by the end of the season, which would significantly boost his current tally of 13 goals in 31 matches this season.

Why it matters

Lewandowski's future is a crucial decision for Barcelona, as they must weigh the veteran striker's declining production against his desire to remain at the club. His potential departure would leave a significant void in Barcelona's attack, while retaining him could provide stability and experience. The outcome of this situation will have implications for Barcelona's roster planning and their ability to compete at the highest level.

The details

According to Polish journalist Mateusz Borek, Lewandowski has privately set a scoring target of 10 goals for the remainder of the season in a bid to earn a contract extension from Barcelona. The striker's current contract expires at the end of the 2022-23 campaign, and his influence has dipped in recent weeks, with a modest return of 13 goals in 31 matches so far this season. Despite the uncertainty, Lewandowski's preference is to stay at Barcelona, where his family is settled and his wife has launched business projects. However, interest from abroad, including from Chicago Fire in MLS and clubs in Saudi Arabia, is growing, and Lewandowski would not be short of lucrative financial options if he were to leave.

  • Lewandowski's contract expires at the end of the 2022-23 season.
  • So far this season, Lewandowski has featured in 31 matches and scored 13 goals.

The players

Robert Lewandowski

A 37-year-old Polish striker currently playing for Barcelona, with a contract that expires at the end of the 2022-23 season.

Mateusz Borek

A Polish sports journalist who reported on Lewandowski's scoring target to earn a contract extension at Barcelona.

Deco

A member of Barcelona's hierarchy who is involved in the internal discussions regarding Lewandowski's future at the club.

Ferran Torres

A Barcelona player who is currently ahead of Lewandowski in the team's attacking pecking order.

Chicago Fire

An MLS club that is reportedly pushing hard to bring Lewandowski to the United States with a lucrative financial package.

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What they’re saying

“Robert is probably thinking that if he scores 10 goals between now and the end of the season, Barça could offer him a new contract.”

— Mateusz Borek, Polish sports journalist (SPORT)

What’s next

The Barcelona hierarchy, led by Deco and Flick, will closely monitor Lewandowski's performance and goal-scoring output in the remaining matches of the season to determine if he has met the target he has set for himself to earn a contract extension.

The takeaway

Lewandowski's future at Barcelona is at a critical juncture, as the veteran striker seeks to prove his worth and secure a contract extension amid interest from abroad. His ability to meet his self-imposed goal of 10 goals in the remainder of the season will be a key factor in Barcelona's decision-making process, as they balance Lewandowski's experience and desire to stay with his declining production in recent weeks.