A key Barcelona player has reportedly decided he has no interest in a summer transfer away from Camp Nou.
The Catalan giants are still adapting to the news that head coach Xavi has reversed his decision to depart the club at the end of the season.
Xavi's call comes on the back of an improved run of form since his initial decision in January, despite Barcelona's recent exit from the Champions League at the quarter-final stage and defeat to Real Madrid.
Now sitting 14 points adrift of Los Blancos, albeit with a game in hand, Barcelona are effectively certain to end the campaign without a trophy at a time when more financial cuts will be imposed ahead of 2024-25.
That leaves Xavi and the powers-that-be having to come up with a strategy of how to impose the set salary caps of La Liga, aware that players will have to leave the club.
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Lewandowski eager to stay at Barcelona
One player who falls under the bracket of being an important member of the squad but may be available for transfer is Robert Lewandowski.
Although the Poland international has contributed 16 goals and nine assists in La Liga and the Champions League this season, he is now 35 years of age.
There is also just over one year remaining on Lewandowski's contract, albeit with the option of an extra 12 months that may or may not be activated in the future.
According to Sport, Lewandowski has no interest in moving to a new club at the end of the season.
The report claims that Lewandowski and his family remain settled in Barcelona and will not entertain a switch elsewhere, despite alleged interest from the Saudi Pro League.
What does Lewandowski mean for player, Barcelona?
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On one hand, Barcelona can and will benefit from having a player of Lewandowski's stature and experience in their squad for a third season.
This is still a forward who has contributed 53 goals and 17 assists from 89 appearances in a Barcelona shirt, yet turning 36 years of age in August may force the Bayern Munich legend to become more realistic about his game time.
Barcelona's goal is to rival Real Madrid for the La Liga title and they have fallen short this season after lifting the trophy during the previous campaign.
While Xavi has the likes of young Brazilian forward Vitor Roque who can compete with Lewandowski, it remains to be seen how Barcelona can retain the services of Atletico Madrid loanee Joao Felix if they do not make the necessary cutbacks.
Lewandowski is allegedly in favour of Xavi's decision to remain at Barcelona, though, which is something that could benefit both him and the team.
Darren Plant
