Xavi believes Barcelona veteran superstar will no longer regain his best levels – report

Having failed to recreate their success from last season, Barcelona have much to ponder in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Fortifications in key areas of the squad are essential to recovering a competitive edge, while downsizing the squad will also be a priority to streamline the team and alleviate financial burdens.

Among those potentially impacted by the restructuring of the squad is Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski.

Future hangs in the balance

Indeed, according to SPORT (h/t FCB World) the club admits there is controversy over Lewandowski’s future.

Although he has managed to turn over a new leaf in 2024 and regained his form inside the final third, concerns about Lewandowski’s future exist for a myriad of reasons.

For one, the Polish striker’s salary is slated to undergo a significant increase next season, which puts Barcelona in a pickle on the financial front.

Additionally, the 35-year-old is clearly past his peak years, and there would be no better time to cash out on an ageing veteran than in the upcoming summer window.

The report adds that Xavi believes that Lewandowski will no longer regain his best levels moving forward.

Lewandowski’s future is up for debate. (Photo by OSCAR DEL POZO/AFP via Getty Images)

This perspective is reasonable, considering the challenges Lewandowski has faced in maintaining consistency throughout the current season and the inevitable effects of ageing on his athleticism.

It has been seen in the way Xavi has handled Lewandowski as well this season. After all, the striker has been substituted 11 times with Barcelona this term, the third-highest number in his career after the 2014/15 season with Bayern Munich (14 times) and the 2011/12 season with Dortmund (15 times).

Who are Barcelona eyeing as alternatives?

Although there is a long way to go before Barcelona ramps up their pursuit of Lewandowski’s alternatives, the club are taking proactive steps in case the opportunity arises.

And as per reports Barcelona are considering Darwin Nunez as their main target in order to resurrect their offensive options.

Alexander Isak of Newcastle United has also surfaced as an appealing option for the team, especially given his track record with Real Sociedad in La Liga.