Lewandowski’s Influence on Yamal and Barcelona’s Future Strategy

Robert Lewandowski, at 37 years old, has not consistently been a starter for Barcelona this season, with Ferran Torres frequently leading the line. Nevertheless, he made a significant impact in his latest match, scoring a hat-trick in a 4-2 victory against Celta Vigo, adding to his impressive total of 42 goals across all competitions last season.

Young talent Yamal has expressed that Lewandowski’s presence eases his responsibilities on the field. Opponents tend to focus on Lewandowski, one of the finest strikers of his generation, allowing Yamal more time and space to maneuver effectively along the flanks. Lewandowski’s ability to pin defenses back has also enabled Yamal to receive more passes and contribute meaningfully in the final third. According to El Nacional, the relationship between these two players, who are at opposite ends of their careers, has evolved positively both on and off the pitch. Yamal regards Lewandowski as a mentor, appreciating the productive understanding they share as they seek to challenge rivals in La Liga and the Champions League.

Yamal hopes that Lewandowski will remain at Barcelona beyond the summer of 2027, when he reaches free agency. He believes that Lewandowski is uniquely positioned to continue fostering his development while providing essential leadership.

In an interview with ESPN, Lewandowski expressed his belief that he still has much to contribute to the team. He stated, “It doesn’t matter how many titles you have already won. The most important thing is how many titles you want to win. I know I can improve many aspects of my game. I love football, this team, and this club. At 37, I still feel physically fit and am proud of my age, but I remain hungry for more achievements and can help my teammates.”

However, speculation has arisen regarding Barcelona’s potential pursuit of another striker. Norwegian forward Erling Haaland, currently contracted with Manchester City until 2034, remains a long-term target. Additionally, it has been reported that England captain Harry Kane has exit clauses in his contract with Bayern Munich that could allow for a transfer at around £57 million ($75 million) in 2026.

Former Bayern player Dietmar Hamann recently commented on the possibility of Kane serving as a stopgap for Barcelona while they await an opportunity to secure Haaland. He noted the challenges Barcelona faces in registering new players and acknowledged that Lewandowski’s successful transition from the Bundesliga indicates that scoring could be easier in Spain for players over 30.

The future of Barcelona’s attacking strategy remains uncertain. Will the club heed Yamal’s wishes and engage in contract extension discussions with Lewandowski, or will they explore alternative options by targeting another proven forward?