Sensational move: Lewandowski close to leaving Barcelona? AC Milan on the move, but New York City FC is calling.

Robert Lewandowski and Barcelona, ​​a partnership that could be nearing its end. The Polish striker, who arrived in Catalonia in 2022, is approaching the end of his contract in June 2026 without yet receiving a renewal offer. At 37, Lewandowski finds himself in a delicate position: Spanish and international media are talking about a possible departure at the end of the season, with the player set to leave Barça as a free agent if the situation remains unchanged. The striker's agent, Pini Zahavi, admitted that "no decision has yet been made" regarding Robert's future, urging the club to wait for the next few months to understand developments.

Barcelona, ​​for its part, appears to be preparing for the post-Lewandowski era. Rumors have it that new manager Hansi Flick has begun experimenting with alternative attacking options—for example, adapting Ferran Torres as a center forward—a sign that the club is planning for a future without its key No. 9. At the same time, the Blaugrana management is remaining cautious about extending a financially burdensome contract, partly due to the former Bayern player's advanced age and the club's well-known financial difficulties. It's no coincidence that last year it emerged that there was even a clause allowing for early termination of Lewandowski's contract if his performance dropped below a certain threshold, a testament to the caution with which Barça is managing the Pole's declining career.

Despite these uncertainties, it must be said that Lewandowski continues to maintain respectable scoring standards and remains the Catalan club's top scorer this season. The player himself has repeatedly reiterated his commitment to the club, denying speculation of an immediate departure: "I'm not even thinking about leaving Barcelona now. I'm very happy here with my family," he previously stated, while admitting that these could be his last seasons at the top level. Furthermore, Lewandowski hasn't ruled out anything about his future with the national team, admitting a certain uncertainty about his future, which is fueling transfer rumors. Some even claim that, without a renewal, Robert is contemplating permanent retirement. This is an extreme scenario, but it clashes with the queue of suitors ready to come forward to offer him one last starring role.

Milan is serious

Among the European clubs lurking, the most determined appears to be AC ​​Milan. In recent weeks, increasingly concrete rumors have emerged regarding the Rossoneri's interest in Lewandowski, to the point that initial exploratory contacts have reportedly already taken place with the player's entourage. According to reports from authoritative sources such as Sky Sport and the Catalan newspaper Sport, AC Milan executives have met with agent Pini Zahavi to discuss the feasibility of the deal. AC Milan is preparing an ambitious move for the summer of 2026, when Lewandowski could be released on a free transfer. The idea is to replicate the move they successfully made with Olivier Giroud in 2021, targeting an experienced center forward with a winning mentality and the ability to score goals quickly despite his age.

Lewandowski's initial reactions to these advances are reportedly encouraging. The AC Milan project—competitive in Serie A and a consistent presence in the Champions League—holds a strong appeal for the Pole. It's said that Robert has never hidden a certain curiosity about the Italian league and would not disdain a stint in Serie A before hanging up his boots. Furthermore, the deal also benefits from an exceptional sponsor within the Rossoneri environment: Zlatan Ibrahimović. The former Swedish star (who knows well what it means to lead the AC Milan attack in his mature years) is reportedly pushing hard to bring Lewandowski to Milan, believing him to be the ideal candidate both in terms of mentality and professionalism. Lewandowski could indeed carry on the moral legacy left by Ibra in the dressing room, serving as a leader and role model for the many young talents in the squad, just as Zlatan did in his second season at AC Milan.

Naturally, such a deal also presents significant obstacles, primarily financial. At Barcelona, ​​Lewandowski earns a monstrous salary (around €20 million net per season, triple AC Milan's current top salary). To wear the Rossoneri shirt, the striker would therefore be required to significantly reduce his salary. Preliminary contacts with Zahavi would have served precisely to test the waters on this front, hypothesizing a salary structure compatible with Milan's parameters. Lewandowski's willingness to accommodate the club on this aspect could prove decisive. If nothing else happens, Pioli (or whoever acts as his replacement) would find himself with a top-class striker.

A world-class player, still hungry for success, who could potentially be paired with a young prospect. A dream scenario for AC Milan fans, who already envision a Lewandowski-Rafa Leão partnership, or imagine the Pole taking up Giroud's legacy as a key attacking midfielder.

It should be noted that AC Milan isn't the only European club sniffing the opportunity. Other top clubs—from Manchester United (where, however, the new management has held back on signings over thirty) to some big names in the Bundesliga and Premier League—are monitoring the situation remotely, ready to potentially make an appearance. Not to mention the sirens coming from Saudi Arabia: Middle Eastern petrodollars have already seduced many champions and could return with pharaonic offers for Lewandowski. However, as things stand, the AC Milan project seems the one that most stimulates Robert's imagination, offering him the chance to remain at the top of European football for another couple of years in a historic and ambitious environment.

The New York City FC Option and the Temptation of MLS

While AC Milan represents the path to continuity at the highest levels in Europe, there is also a diametrically different but equally intriguing alternative on the horizon for Lewandowski: Major League Soccer. In particular, overseas sources point to New York City FC as one of the franchises ready to do anything to secure the Polish striker, should he decide to end his career in the United States. MLS, moreover, is experiencing a new boom in popularity and competitiveness, evidenced by the arrival of stars such as Lionel Messi (who joined Inter Miami in 2023) and other European champions in recent years. NYCFC, in particular, is a club looking for a new attacking leader after the David Villa era – who shone in New York, scoring 65 goals in 98 games – and sees Lewandowski as the perfect candidate to ignite the scene and return to competing at the highest MLS levels.

According to rumors, several MLS teams have already expressed interest in Lewandowski in recent months, placing him at the top of their wishlists for a Designated Player slot for next season. Competition is therefore not lacking in the United States, but the lure of New York could prove particularly tempting. The Big Apple offers global visibility, commercial opportunities, and a major sporting stage, all of which could tempt the player and his entourage to potentially move overseas. From a technical standpoint, despite his age, Lewandowski would likely make a difference in MLS, boasting 554 career goals and an unparalleled level of experience. Many are convinced that the Pole could follow in the footsteps of other European strikers who have made their mark in the US, demonstrating that the North American league is no longer just an elephant graveyard but a growing tournament worthy of serious competition.

A move to New York would obviously also entail considerations beyond football. The Lewandowski family had previously revealed their dream of living in the United States—although with a preference for Los Angeles—to develop their brands and enjoy a new lifestyle. Now, with Robert nearing the end of his career, that dream could become a reality again. Contractually, New York City FC has the salary to guarantee him a top-tier league salary (though lower than European levels), and could offer Lewandowski a multi-year contract until he retires. Furthermore, the presence of fellow countrymen or former colleagues in the MLS could facilitate his adjustment: fellow countryman Karol Świderski (Charlotte FC striker) revealed that Lewandowski has already asked him about the American league, a sign of his curiosity. "I hope he comes here; he would be a legend in the MLS too," Świderski said, implying that the idea intrigues the Polish captain.

It remains to be seen whether the allure of the stars and stripes will be enough to convince Lewandowski. Just two years ago, Robert stated that "after the Barcelona chapter, imagining a future in MLS is difficult," explaining that he had toyed with the idea of ​​an American move pre-pandemic, only to shelve it once he arrived at the Blaugrana. But in football—as we know—scenarios evolve quickly. The possibility of ending his career in the US, perhaps attracted by a convincing coaching project and the chance to experience a new life with his family, could take on a more concrete form as his time at Barça draws to a close. New York is waiting, ready to make its dream offer to the Polish number 9 if he gives the slightest sign of openness.

What's next for Lewandowski?

For now, Lewandowski remains focused on his present