Robert Lewandowski's contract expires on June 30 this summer. There are just few weeks left in the season, and yet nobody at Barcelona has sat down with him to discuss the next steps.
The meeting has not taken place yet. Nothing can be decided until it is.
Reports suggest there is willingness from the club to extend Lewandowski's deal. However, nothing about his potential role next season, or any figures, have been put forward by the club.
Barcelona are also being forced to navigate other issues, particularly regarding a potential new striker acquisition. Barcelona are not in a position to guarantee they will sign a forward this summer, and it is the uncertainty that is holding up any negotiation. They cannot plan Lewandowski's situation without knowing if a new centre-forward will be arriving this season.
Lewandowski's future and the striker dependency
Barcelona has been eyeing for a move for Julian Alvarez, but they know the chances of negotiating with Atletico are slim. Barcelona has put up a plan B for strikers as well but there is nothing concrete untill now.
One thing that is now clear is that salary is not the issue. A significant reduction in pay has been discussed with performance related bonuses. It is being suggested that Lewandowski is not happy about taking a pay cut but the rumours are completely over the top.
The deal on the table is still significantly more lucrative than those put forward by teams in Serie A.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Juventus and AC Milan has shown clear interest in him, along with clubs from the MLS and Saudi.
Lewandowski himself has given mixed responses when asked about the situation, saying: "We still have a little time. The club knows what I think and I have had time to think. I don't want to talk about offers and my future. The remaining games and the goals are more important."
This shows that the player has kept all options open. European clubs and sides in Saudi Arabia and the MLS have been linked with his agent Pini Zahavi. However, at this time, the preferred option is undoubtedly to stay in Catalonia.
The timeline of the legend
A decision is expected before the final whistle of the season, and there is a reason for this. Barcelona wish to provide a fond farewell at the Spotify Camp Nou should the veteran forward depart.
If he stays, Barcelona see him as a vital player and reference point for an incoming centre-forward. The 37-year-old striker has netted 16 goals and contributed 3 assists in 37 games across all competitions.
Quality is not a question. That is undeniable. It is purely structural whether his role within Barcelona's attack will work in conjunction with potential new arrivals.
The answer will come in the coming weeks: one way or another.
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