Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has ended the club's pursuit of Barcelona star Robert Lewandowski despite Ruben Amorim being eager to bring the veteran to Old Trafford next summer. Lewandowski's existing deal at Barcelona expires at the end of the season and the Catalan giants are unlikely to offer the Polish forward an extension, which will make him a free agent.
Amorim wanted Lewandowski
According to , Amorim was looking forward to bringing Lewandowski to Old Trafford next summer once the veteran forward's Barcelona contract expired. The Poland legend is in the final year of his existing deal and as of now, there have been no talks of an extension between the striker and the Catalan club, which is a clear hint that the Spanish champions do not want to retain the player beyond the 2025-26 campaign.
Amorim wanted an experienced player like Lewandowski in the dressing room who could contribute goals and also help to inspire the club's youngsters.
AdvertisementgettyRatcliffe won't approve Lewandowski transfer
The report, however, also adds that Ratcliffe has denied Amorim's request as he is strictly against signing players who are in the twilight of their playing careers. In the past, United have run after big names like Cristiano Ronaldo, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Edinson Cavani, Raphael Varane and Bastian Schweinsteiger but none of the signings have proved fruitful for the team and have instead cost the club millions of pounds in the transfer market and in wages.
At 37, Lewandowski continues to be among the highest-earning footballers in the world as he pockets a wage of around £540,000-a-week. Lewandowski's departure will bring huge relief for Barcelona, who continue to struggle financially and have regularly faced problems in registering players while complying with La Liga rules. United themselves have also struggled to manage their crippling finances and under such circumstances, signing Lewandowski is not a viable option.
Lewandowski's agent hinted at possible departure
Amid speculation over Lewandowski's situation at Barcelona, his agent Pini Zahavi recently dropped a major hint over the striker's future as he told : "Lewandowski's contract with Barcelona expires in the summer of 2026, and no decisions have been made yet. We'll have to wait and see what happens in the coming days."
Zahavi, however, dismissed rumours suggesting Lewandowski could head to the Saudi Pro League as he added: "There's nothing official regarding negotiations with Saudi Arabian teams. There are no offers at this time."
As Lewandowski's future remains uncertain, reports have emerged that the Catalan giants have started to prepare for life beyond their star striker, with Ferran Torres adapting to a central role under Hansi Flick this season. Sporting director Deco recently stated that Barcelona will not immediately pursue a replacement, yet names like Erling Haaland, Julian Alvarez and Etta Eyong continue to surface in reports.
GettyLewandowski ruled out of El Clasico
With the season's first El Clasico fast approaching, Barcelona are dealing with multiple injury setbacks. They are already missing the services of star winger Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski will not feature in the high-octane clash at Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday.
Lewandowski returned from international duty after the October break with an injury as he was sent for medical tests after informing Barca of the issues regarding his left leg. It was later confirmed that Lewandowski will require a period of rest and will be sidelined for El Clasico. The statement from Barcelona read: "Robert Lewandowski has suffered a hamstring injury in his left thigh. He will be sidelined, and his recovery time will depend on how the injury progresses. The Polish striker has scored four goals in nine appearances so far in the 2025-26 season. His tally includes a brace against Valencia and goals against Oviedo and Real Sociedad. This season he has also scored two goals for Poland, the most recent coming during the October international break against Lithuania."
In Lewandowski's absence, Flick is likely to field Torres as his No.9 against Madrid, with in-form Marcus Rashford and Lamine Yamal operating from the two wings.