Barcelona’s Polish forward Robert Lewandowski is on the verge of his contract extension at the club. By playing 55% of the matches this season, the renewal would be automatic, and the Pole has already featured in 32 of Barca’s 34 games. Although his performances have been outstanding, should Barca stick with Lewandowski or prepare for the future?
Is This Automatic Renewal a Risk for Barcelona?
At 36, Lewandowski still delivers at a world-class level, leading Barca’s scoring from the front in La Liga and the Champions League. The Pole had a dip in form for a few matches, but he has still shown the ability to maintain high standards. The number nine has scored 18 goals in the league and 9 in the UCL so far.
However, there is still a risk in relying on an aging striker as the focal point of attack. No doubt Robert is a lethal finisher, but the consistency demands at Barca can still prove to be too much for him. Barca has been in transition after Messi’s departure. While Lewandowski’s presence has provided much-needed stability, he is still not the long-term solution.
If the Catalans continue to depend heavily on Lewandowski without a clear plan for his successor, they could be bothered in the coming years. His form has been pretty good, but Barca must ensure they aren’t sacrificing long-term plans by postponing key decisions.
Does Barca Need a Successor Now or Later?
This contract extension raises another critical question for Barca. Should the club invest in a young, top-notch striker immediately, or does this buy some time? Barca has been struggling financially, and signing players like Alexander Isaak or Gyokeres is out of reach for us unless the club generates revenue through sales.
Another issue is that Lewandowski is rigid in handing over the striker role to any other player. He has warned the Blaugrana that he might leave the club if any striker is signed.
Laporta may be delaying signing a new forward for these reasons, but further delaying could prove risky. Players sometimes take time to develop, and Barcelona needs a centre forward who can deliver.
The Right Approach for Hansi Flick
Now that Lewandowski’s extension is confirmed for another year, Hansi Flick must balance between the star striker and developing young players. Ferran Torres has received a lot of minutes off the bench this season. Flick has issued some good balance between the two players. Pau Victor is another player worth more playing time.
In a nutshell, Lewandowski’s extension is a good thing for Barca as the player has performed more than what was expected of him. Now it’s up to Laporta to manage a seamless transition from Lewandowski to Barca’s next centre-forward, as Barcelona’s attack is ready for its next chapter.