In a recent interview with Culemania, former FC Barcelona treasurer Ferran Olive shed light on the future of veteran striker Robert Lewandowski, who is nearing the end of his contract with the club. At 37 years old, Lewandowski’s situation remains uncertain, with Olive revealing that there are currently no plans in place for the extension of the striker’s deal.
Olive, who resigned from his position as treasurer in February when Joan Laporta stepped down to prepare for upcoming elections, noted that Lewandowski might be approaching the conclusion of his time at Camp Nou. When asked about Lewandowski’s contract renewal, Olive unequivocally stated, “No, not in principle. I would say no.”
In addition to discussing Lewandowski’s future, Olive mentioned that Barcelona is proactively seeking a top-tier striker to bolster their roster. He also indicated that the club is just €12-14 million away from meeting the Financial Fair Play 1:1 ratio, which would grant them the flexibility to make significant moves in the summer transfer market.
“Barcelona is in a position to do so, and in fact, Barcelona is currently looking for a top striker,” Olive emphasized, highlighting the club’s commitment to improving its offensive capabilities.
As Lewandowski considers his next steps, he remains patient, awaiting a response from Barcelona while also fielding interest from Major League Soccer’s Chicago Fire and Saudi Arabian clubs. The club appears to have a clear preference for Julian Alvarez as a potential replacement for Lewandowski, although acquiring the Atletico Madrid forward may prove challenging.
With these developments, Barcelona seems to be gearing up for a significant transitional phase, emphasizing the need for strategic planning as they navigate the complexities of contracts and financial regulations. Fans may remain hopeful that the club can secure a suitable successor and continue to build a competitive squad for future seasons.