(Credit: Manh Tung - Breaking Media/Imago)

Stefan Borson: This is the most likely scenario for Robert Lewandowski after Man United swoop

James holds a degree in Sports Journalism and Communications (MA) from the Real Madrid Graduate School. He has experience working for a number of local news outlets as well as the Sunday Mirror and Real Madrid TV. James is from Scunthorpe and has an affinity with Scunthorpe United, but is also a huge West Ham supporter and an expert on all things to do with the Hammers. He started working for Breaking Media in July 2023, initially writing on the Club Sites, where he specialised in West Ham content, before moving to Football Insider – where he is now an expert in football finance, speaking regularly with Stefan Borson and Keith Wyness to generate high-quality content in all things related to finance in the Premier League, Football League, and Scottish Premiership.

Published on:

27 Oct 2025, 5:40 am

Robert Lewandowski could leave Barcelona on a free transfer next summer after being linked with the likes of Manchester United.

Football Insider revealed on 14 October Barcelona are not looking to renew Lewandowski’s contract before it expires in June 2026.

It means the 37-year-old could leave Hansi Flick’s side on a free transfer, with several clubs believed to be monitoring his situation.

The Daily Star reported on 21 October Man United could move to sign Lewandowski next summer.

Ruben Amorim on the sidelines at Old Trafford

Ruben Amorim's side have been linked with Robert Lewandowski (Credit: Imago)

Robert Lewandowski could agree 'big-money deal'

Former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider Lewandowski is likely to move to Saudi Arabia if he doesn’t agree an extension at Barcelona on reduced terms.

The Poland international has registered four goals in nine appearances for the Catalan side this season, where he’s been playing alongside Man United loanee Marcus Rashford.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson said: “I mean, it definitely would be on big money.

“I think a striker falls into a slightly different category to other players, where he probably could get a very big salary in more places from more clubs.

“So, the US being a prime example, but also potentially in maybe one or two other European clubs on a short-term basis. Clearly, if you’re paid let’s say £400,000 a week, it's clearly not a big market.”

Hansi Flick, Barcelona manager, standing on the sidelines

Hansi Flick is unlikely to hand Robert Lewandowski a new contract (Credit: Getty Images)

Lewandowski has registered 105 goals and 20 assists in 156 appearances since joining Barcelona from Bayern Munich three years ago.

Man United's likely stance over Lewandowski move revealed

Man United have been making efforts to reduce their wage bill, potentially ruling them out of a deal for Lewandowski.

“If you go outside of Saudi Arabia, Manchester United are probably one of the few clubs that could even consider it,” said Borson.

“I think it's unlikely given their stance on wages recently and what they're trying to do to the overall wage bill. I think it's unlikely they would take that step back.

Rubem Amorim looking a little displeased.

Man United have been making efforts to reduce their wage bill (Credit: Imago)

“I think the likelihood is that either he'll extend at Barcelona on a reduced salary or he'll go to Saudi Arabia.”

Man United have the fifth-highest wage bill in the Premier League after their total fell from £365m in 2023-24 to £313m last season.

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