Lewandowski set to depart Barcelona as club prioritises João Pedro for 2026

Barcelona are reportedly preparing for life after Robert Lewandowski, with the club expected to allow the forward to leave as a free agent and accelerating plans to sign Chelsea striker João Pedro in the summer of 2026. According to the report summarising Nil Solà’s coverage via Què T’hi Jugues and relayed by World Soccer Talk, Barcelona have decided not to offer Lewandowski a contract renewal and have made João Pedro their primary transfer target for next summer.

Why it matters

If Barcelona do not extend Robert Lewandowski’s stay, they will need a reliable centre-forward to lead the attack after the 2025–26 season. The report says the club view João Pedro as a modern striker who could complement Barcelona’s wide players, and that securing a high-calibre forward is a priority ahead of the 2026 World Cup and the next season’s Champions League campaign.

How the situation unfolded, per the report

World Soccer Talk’s piece cites Nil Solà (via Què T’hi Jugues) to say Barcelona decided not to renew Lewandowski’s contract and that the Polish striker could announce his exit after an upcoming fixture against Real Betis. The same story claims Lewandowski has received offers from Europe but is reportedly aiming for a move to Saudi Arabia, where he has been offered a lucrative marquee contract.

That development has, according to the report, prompted Barcelona to intensify negotiations for João Pedro, who joined Chelsea in July 2025 for the fee reported by The Athletic as €63.7m. The report says sporting director Deco has already contacted João Pedro’s representatives and that the player’s camp are open to a summer 2026 move if Chelsea fail to qualify for European competition.

What Barcelona would be considering tactically and in the transfer market

The report describes João Pedro as a versatile, modern centre-forward who could operate alongside creative wingers such as Lamine Yamal and Raphinha — a profile Barcelona’s sporting staff reportedly like. It also frames the signing as an alternative after difficulties in attempting to sign Julián Álvarez previously.

• Report says Barcelona won 2025–26 La Liga and performed well in the Champions League.
• Nil Solà (via Què T’hi Jugues) is cited as saying Barcelona will not renew Lewandowski’s contract.
• Lewandowski is reportedly close to announcing his departure and is said to have offers, with Saudi Arabia linked as a likely destination.
• João Pedro is described as Barcelona’s priority for summer 2026 and as a possible €100m-level target.
• Chelsea paid €63.7m for João Pedro in July 2025 (per The Athletic, as cited in the report).
• Deco has reportedly contacted João Pedro’s camp and the player is open to leaving Chelsea if European qualification is in doubt.

Limitations and outstanding questions

This account is built from a single published report that references other outlets. There is no direct quote or official confirmation from Barcelona, Lewandowski, Chelsea, João Pedro, Deco, or their representatives in the source material provided. Important details missing from the report include any official club announcements, concrete timelines, the player’s stance in his own words, whether Chelsea will entertain an approach, and financial terms Barcelona would offer. Those points require verification before treating the transfer as certain.

What happens next

According to the report, Barcelona want to conclude negotiations for a forward before the 2026 World Cup. The next steps to watch are any formal announcements from Barcelona about Lewandowski’s contract status, public comments from the player or his camp, and whether Chelsea or João Pedro confirm contact or interest. If Chelsea remain insistent that João Pedro is untouchable, Barcelona would need alternative plans or be prepared to offer a significant fee to secure the striker.

Until those pieces are confirmed by primary sources, this story should be treated as a transfer-development report rather than an official club decision or completed deal.