Barcelona make shock Lewandowski contract decision which could affect Rashford

BARCELONA are set to let Robert Lewandowski’s contract expire next summer, according to reports.

But the Catalan giants ARE keen for Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford to stick around.

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Lewandowski, 37, joined Barca from Bayern Munich in a £42.5million deal in 2022.

The legendary Pole has since banged the goals in, scoring 105 times in 156 appearances.

Despite Lewandowski’s incredible record, Catalan paper Sport claim that Barcelona have already opted against offering their No9 a new deal.

The report adds that Barca bosses feel that Lewandowski is no longer able to press with the required intensity, and that he has started to decline as a player – despite having scored four LaLiga goals in just three starts so far this term.

Another big factor is the former Bayern star’s wages.

Lewandowski is understood to be one of cash-strapped Barca’s highest earners.

Camp Nou sporting director Deco was coy when recently asked about the striker’s future.

The Portuguese, 48, said: “We’re not going to talk about renewals in October. We’re taking it step by step.

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“He’s (Lewandowski) one of the best strikers of recent years, a top-level player. He’s helped us a lot.

“He’s scored more than 40 goals, but we will analyse it. It’s time to talk about getting injured players back.”

Rashford, meanwhile, has impressed Barca chiefs.

SunSport revealed that club bosses have been “ecstatic” with the England man.

Barca bosses initially felt that there must have been something wrong with Rashford for Man Utd to have let him go so easily.

But they have since been impressed by the 27-year-old’s work ethic and talent.

Barcelona can make the deal permanent at the end of the season by paying an initial £25m plus £5m in add-ons.

And with Lewandowski set to be on the move, Rashford’s chances of earning a permanent Barca switch appear to be strong.

Boss Hansi Flick has also been complimentary of Rashford.

The German, 60, recently admitted: “I told Deco in the summer, ‘Bring me Rashford, bring me Rashford, please’. We needed a player like him.”