What if Robert Lewandowski’s days were numbered at FC Barcelona? Still far-fetched at the start of the season, the hypothesis appears more and more concrete as the weeks go by. In the middle of the week, A.S. spoke of “the Lewandowski disconnection» with his partners on the pitch, despite his 8 goals and 4 assists in 16 matches in all competitions. The media spoke of a certain isolation.
This time, it is not about his place on the pitch or in the locker room but rather within the club. Xavi has always maintained his confidence in him, just like Joan Laporta, who went out of his way to recruit him a year and a half ago from Bayern Munich for €45 million. His first season with 33 goals proved him right but his age (35) is starting to weigh, as is his salary in Barcelona’s finances which are far from being in good shape.
Lewandowski is not sure he will complete his 4-year contract
The cost/sports contribution ratio is weakening, perhaps even reversing itself. Sport recalls the figures of his contract, which runs until 2026 all the same. His salary is progressive over the first three seasons. It receives €20 million gross the first year, then €26 the second (the current financial year), to reach €32 million next year. A hell of a budget to plan for while the Pole must receive a little less, €26 million during the 4th and final season.
This weighs very heavily even if Lewandowski’s reputation is well established. Barça still protected itself in the event of a problem. There is a clause allowing the Blaugranas not to activate this 4th and final year. To do this, the attacker must play less than 55% of matches (a match includes at least 45 minutes of play) during his 3rd season. Obviously, this leaves some form of doubt as to what happens next if the performance of the unofficial 2020 Ballon d’Or were to decline.
