Despite there being some rumours about his future, Robert Lewandowski has no plans to leave Barcelona and sees himself fit enough to be able to compete at the elite level for another couple of years.

The veteran megastar backed up his claim with a hat-trick against Valencia, which ended up handing Xavi’s side all three points despite a fairly average display.

It has been even suggested that the Pole suspects that Barcelona might be putting pressure on him to either leave or reduce his salary this summer even though he has no intentions of leaving.

Now, though, according to SPORT, Barcelona have decided that they will accord to the Polish international’s wish to stay for another year.

While he has a contract at the Catalan giants until 2025 with an option to extend for one more year, Lewandowski’s next campaign at Barcelona will be his last.

The Blaugrana are feeling the pinch of his lucrative salary, but they will be able to sustain it for another year before amicably parting ways with their star striker.

Lewandowski has always signalled his intent to see out his contract with the club in spite of repeated rumours linking him with an exit.

And there will be no departure this summer as well, with Barcelona ready to respect his decision and not sell him in the summer. However, the 2024/25 campaign might end up being his last.

Lewandowski staying will be a blessing in disguise for Barcelona

Lewandowski is perhaps the most experienced striker in Europe at the moment.

Although there has been wide criticism surrounding his abilities, he has struck 23 times and assisted nine goals in all competitions this season and promises to be a vital cog in Xavi’s plans in the 2024/25 campaign too.

Barcelona will not be in a financial position to fully replace the 35-year-old next season owing to their financial difficulties. Vitor Roque, despite showing potential at his new club, has stagnated.

Lewandowski, in this regard, will be particularly important as he can continue plying his trade whilst mentoring a player with the potential to succeed him from next year.

Lewy to leave Europe at the end of his Barcelona contract?

In playing for Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich and Barcelona, Lewandowski has proven himself as one of the very best strikers of this generation.

However, he might move away from Europe next summer with the MLS and Saudi Arabia being considered hot future destinations for the forward.

There is no clarity just yet as to what may be his pick, but the news for now is that Lewandowski’s Barcelona future next season is firm and secure.