Atlético Madrid Eye Robert Lewandowski as Barcelona Departure Nears

Madrid, Spain – Robert Lewandowski’s time at FC Barcelona may be drawing to a close, and Atlético Madrid could be the next stop for the veteran striker, according to reports emerging from Poland this week.

With just months remaining on his current deal at the Camp Nou, Lewandowski, 37, faces an uncertain future in Catalonia. Although he remains a clinical presence up front — already registering a solid goal return this season — a recent injury and the club’s shifting strategy have cast doubt on whether the Polish international will be offered a contract extension.

While no final decision has been made, Lewandowski is reportedly open to staying in La Liga. Sources suggest that Atlético Madrid are monitoring the situation closely, considering him a potential free-agent acquisition in the 2026 season.

Simeone’s Strategy: Repeat History?

The idea of Lewandowski joining Atlético is not without precedent. Under Diego Simeone, the capital club has a history of successfully signing aging, yet elite, strikers from their La Liga rivals — a model that yielded dividends with David Villa and Luis Suárez, both of whom helped deliver domestic silverware.

Simeone is said to value Lewandowski’s professionalism, experience, and tactical intelligence — qualities that could prove invaluable as Atlético consider reshuffling their attacking line, especially if Norwegian striker Alexander Sørloth departs in the near future.

While the move is not yet formalized, the interest from Madrid has already started gaining traction among football insiders.

Europe or Beyond? Lewandowski’s Dilemma

Despite significant offers from Saudi Arabian clubs and Major League Soccer (MLS) in recent windows, Lewandowski remains committed to competing at the highest level in Europe. His agent, Pini Zahavi, is believed to have explored preliminary interest from AC Milan and Juventus, but no negotiations have moved beyond the exploratory phase.

A source close to the player told Polish media this week:

“Robert is focused on finishing this season strong. Any decision about his future will only be made once he has clarity from Barcelona.”

The player himself has not ruled out staying at Barça, but with no extension currently on the table, alternative options are being evaluated.

Barcelona’s Transition in Motion

Newly appointed manager Hansi Flick appears to be preparing for a post-Lewandowski era. In recent weeks, Ferran Torres has been deployed more frequently in the striker role, with promising signs of adaptability. While Marcus Rashford, recently signed from Manchester United, has featured primarily on the wing, the Englishman’s versatility could see him deployed centrally in the future.

Barcelona is also believed to be scouting young, cost-effective attacking talent across Europe, given the club’s ongoing financial constraints. With a limited transfer budget, the club aims to make a strategic, long-term investment rather than pursuing another marquee name.

The Final Months

As Lewandowski’s Barcelona chapter approaches its conclusion, the striker finds himself at a crossroads. Though still one of Europe’s most respected forwards, the landscape is changing — and the next move must be calculated carefully.

A transition to Atlético Madrid would not only keep him in Spain but also offer another shot at silverware under a system known to extend the careers of experienced strikers.

For now, however, all eyes are on Lewandowski’s performances during the crucial final stretch of the season.